Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed all attendees to the meeting and explained the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Chair asked the Committee members to introduce themselves.

Apologies were received from Councillor Edwards with Councillor Bartle substituting.

Apologies were also received from Councillor Morris with Councillor Weston substituting.

To note any declarations of interest from councillors. They are asked to

indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular

whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of

interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.

There were none.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as accurate.

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

Councillor Plowden highlighted that Officer Executive Decisions are published on the page Officer executive decisions.  The link will be noted on each Policy Committee agenda.

Councillor Plowden invited Councillor Rippington to update the Policy Committee about the ongoing work of the Supported Bus Services Task and Finish Group.

Councillor Rippington thanked officers and Councillors for their hard work in a short space of time since the Task and Finish Group was set up on 12 September.  The group had identified priorities and had gathered views from a variety of stakeholders including Councillors, campaign groups and bus operators.  The amount of money available would not cover all the services identified as a need so the next stage would be to establish a shortlist of proposals.

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Any member of the public or councillor may participate in Public Forum. Public Forum items must relate to the remit of the committee and should be addressed to the Chair of the committee.

Members of the public who plan to attend a public meeting at City Hall are advised that you will be required to sign in when you arrive. Please note that you will be issued with a visitor pass which you will need to display at all times.

Please also note:

Questions

1.      Written public questions must be received by 5.00 pm, at least 3 clear working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that questions must be received at the latest by 5.00 pm on Friday 18 October 2024. Please email questions to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Any individual can submit up to 3 written questions.

3.      Written replies to questions will be available on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

4.      At the meeting, questioners will be permitted to ask up to 2 oral supplementary questions.

Statements

1.      Written statements must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that statements must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 22 October 2024. Please email statements to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Statements, provided they are no more than 1,000 words in length, will be circulated to all committee members and will be published on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

Petitions

1.      Details of the wording of any petitions, and the number of signatories to petitions must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that petition details must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 22 October 2024. Please email petition details to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      At the meeting, individuals presenting petitions may be required to read out the objectives of the petition.

When submitting a question or statement please indicate whether you are planning to attend the meeting to present your statement ask your question

The Committee noted that the following Public Forum had been received.

Public Forum Questions:

Those who attended the meeting asked supplementary questions and received the following information in response:

Councillor Tim Kent – CRSTS Strategic Corridors (A4018/A37 Southern Section) scheme proposals

Officers confirmed that regarding the Right Turn (Wells Road into West Town Lane) the Traffic Regulation Order named an alternative route as Hengrove Avenue with commitment to looking at additional mitigations around the surrounding area as part of the Liveable Neighbourhood Review of the local area.

David Redgewell - Facilities for scheduled service coaches

Officers agreed that identifying coach stopping facilities within Bristol was an ongoing challenge being considered by officers.

David Redgewell - Ferry Services

Councillor Plowden agreed to discuss the lines of responsibility for the Harbour and Ferry transport with officers at BCC and WECA to identify the pathway for decision making.  One ticketing platform in the City for all types of public transport was an aspiration, as well as improved accessibility of boats.

Public Forum Statements:

Statements were received as follows:

To seek approval for an extension in the value of the Highways Defect Response and Emergency Works Term Contract.

That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity:

1. Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to extend the value of the Highways Defect Response and Emergency Works Term Contract (2017-2025) by up to £3million.

2. Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

The Committee considered a report that sought approval for an extension in the value of the Highways Defect Response and Emergency Works Term Contract.

It was noted that this was a key decision report as the proposed decision involved spend of more than £500k and had a significant impact on 2 or more wards.

The Head of Highways presented the report and clarified the proposed extension was for contract spend rather than budgetary spend with an upper level to allow for contingency planning.

In response to Councillors questions, Officers confirmed that the contract specified differing time frames for repairs depending on assessment via a guidance-based risk approach to each defect.

A new contract would enter the procurement process in December which had been compiled following a full learning review of the specification alongside current national guidance.  An increased number of key performance indicators had been included and contractors would also be assessed in terms of back office resource capacity.

Officers confirmed that Fix My Street operated via a separate IT contract as a reporting tool for the public as well as an interface with the asset management system.

Councillors and Officers discussed the effect of climate change on roads with mitigations in terms of increased tree canopies and increased preventative surface dressing.

The report and recommendations were moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Wilcox.  On being put to the vote the recommendation was CARRIED unanimously.

It was APPROVED that the Committee for Transport and Connectivity:

1.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to extend the value of the Highways Defect Response and Emergency Works Term Contract (2017-2025) by up to £3million.

2.    Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

To seek approval of FBC for CRSTS Strategic Corridors (A4018/A37 Southern Section) proposals and submission to WECA and following a successful decision to commence with tendering process for civils contractors.

That the Committee for Transport & Connectivity:

1. Approved the submission of a Full Business Case (Appendix A and exempt appendix E) to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)

2.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Committee Chair for Transport and Section 151 officer, subject to approval of the Full Business Case (at Appendix A) by WECA, to;

i.        Take all steps required to accept and spend the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funding amount as set out in this report and appendices,

ii.       Tender and procure contracts (including any over £500K) necessary to deliver the works,

iii.     Award contracts and spend the funding to deliver the works as set out in the Full Business Case up £6.1m

iv.     Exempt appendix E (commercially sensitive data within the FBC)

The Committee considered a report which sought approval of the Full Business Case for CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements) (Strategic Corridors (A4018/A37 Southern Section) proposals and submission to WECA (West of England Combined Authority) and following a successful decision to commence with tendering process for civils contractors.

It was noted that this was a key decision report, as the proposed decision had a significant impact on two or more wards.

The Head of City Transport presented the report which outlined proposals.  It was reiterated that any proposals would be subject to Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) following a statutory process. 

Further consideration and mitigations within the Stockwood area were proposed which could be assessed within the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project and approach.

With reference to the right turn ban proposed from West Town Lane into Wells Road as highlighted through public forum, the proposals considered road safety due to the right turn over two lanes of traffic.  An alternative approach to the junction design as proposed could be to look again at all implications of the right turn option and implement at a later date if required.  Such a change would not significantly change the business case and those changes would be subject to the usual TRO process.

In summary, the following main points were raised in general discussion of the report and recommendations:

·       A training/briefing session would be arranged for Councillors on the Benefits Realisation approach and calculations within Outline Business Cases.

·       Questions about the benefits of bus lanes can be answered with the data showing the patronage of buses, which if not used would mean many more cars taking the journey.

·       It was clarified that the TRO processes is a statutory process designed to collect objections and alter a scheme if objections highlighted an element which was statutorily incorrect. A consultation engagement process gathered people’s views on a proposal, usually prior to the TRO process. 

·       TRO decisions were delegated to the relevant Executive Director in consultation with the Policy Chair. 

·       It was suggested that cyclists would likely choose to use the old railway line rather than the hill or fast moving bus lanes.

·       Further information of modelling the time taken to move through the system and that without the right hand turn into West Town Lane was requested.

Officers confirmed that any Full Business Cases was scrutinised by a Consultancy organisation.  Modelling took place via a regional model meaning smaller alterations would be lost in the size of the modelling data available.  Conclusions were based on modelling and data as well as professional engineering judgement and experience.

The report and recommendations were moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Bryher. 

Councillor Alexander moved an amendment to the report as follows:

That the Committee for Transport & Connectivity

1.      Approves the submission of a Full Business Case (Appendix A and exempt appendix E) to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), including the closure of Bellevue Road at the junction with A37 Wells Road. This point closure will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To establish a member Task and Finish Group for a Parking and Kerbside Strategy

It was APPROVED:

1.      That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity notes the report and further details supplied in Appendix A and approves the recommended approach and Terms of Reference for the Parking and Kerbside Strategy. Any substantial changes to the parameters of the ToR should be agreed in consultation with officers and reported back to the committee.

2.      That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity agree the Members of the T&F group with any not known by the 24 October Policy Committee meeting to be confirmed by the Party Whips.

3.      That the Committee for Transport Connectivity delegate the decision to agree the frequency and duration of the meetings to the T&F group.

The Committee considered a report proposing a member Task and Finish Group to establish a Parking and Kerbside Strategy.

The Head of City Transport presented the report which outlined including the proposed membership and Terms of Reference. 

The Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Councillor Bryher outlined the intention of the group for improved quality of life through a parking strategy for the City including cycle parking.  Also to be included within the debate would be the Full Council motion passed on 8 October 2024 and the active pursuit of accessibility.

It was noted that the report was a non-key decision report.

During the debate on the report the following points were raised:

·       Although ‘pavement parking’ would likely have an important place within a strategy, it was not the only thread for consideration as there were links to the strategy for public transport, clear accessible pavements for mobility vehicles and young families, use of tree canopy and sustainable drainage and also Liveable Neighbourhoods.

·       In addition to the membership listed within the appendix to the report, Councillor Coombes was noted as the final seventh Member.

·       It was an option that feedback on the work of Task & Finish Groups could be reported to each Policy Committee meeting.

The report and recommendations were moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Self.  On being put to the vote the recommendation was CARRIED unanimously.

It was APPROVED that:

1.      That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity notes the report and further details supplied in Appendix A and approves the recommended approach and Terms of Reference for the Parking and Kerbside Strategy. Any substantial changes to the parameters of the ToR should be agreed in consultation with officers and reported back to the committee.

2.      That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity agree the Members of the T&F group with any not known by the 24 October Policy Committee meeting to be confirmed by the Party Whips.

3.      That the Committee for Transport Connectivity delegate the decision to agree the frequency and duration of the meetings to the T&F group.

To brief the Transport and ConnectivityCommittee on performance against the BCC Business Plan as relevant to the remit of this Committee, for Q1 2024/25, and for Members to note areas of specific interest or concern to review progress with relevant Directors. 

That Transport and Connectivity Committee noted performance against the Business Plan relevant to this Committee, including the theme summary reports and issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services.

The Committee considered a report that briefed the Transport and Connectivity Committee on performance against the BCC Business Plan as relevant to the remit of the Committee, for Quarter 1 2024/25.

It was noted that there were no decisions to be taken on this report which was for information.

The Strategic Intelligence & Performance Adviser presented the report and in response the following points were raised:

-          Bus passenger journeys (including park and ride) were up compared to the previous quarters last year.  If patronage continued on trend this year, usage would be comparable to pre-covid levels.

-          Re BPOM120 – it was highlighted that data had been requested from Avon & Somerset Police.  The Chair and officers agreed to continue to press Avon & Somerset Police as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner to the provide data.

-          The mass transit project had been stalled and not been progressed past the business case process by WECA.  It had been reported in July that the project would be re-established.

-          The risk re delivery of projects, such as the mass transit project, should also consider the risk of not providing such a system.  The Chair agreed to take that as an action to add to reports. 

-          Officers confirmed that they planned to reconsider the risks racing CRSTS 1 and 2 both short and long term.

The Transport and Connectivity Committee noted performance against the Business Plan relevant to this Committee, including the theme summary reports and issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services.

The Council Revenue and Capital budget for 2024/25 was agreed by Full Council on 21 February 2023.This report presents to the Transport and Connectivity Committee the transport financial forecast at Period 5 (P5) against the budget as at the end of August 2024.

The Committee for Transport and Connectivity noted the contents of the report on the P5 forecast for the Transport and Connectivity Committee.

The Committee considered a report that presented the Transport financial forecast at period 5 (P5) against the budget as at the end of August 2024.

In response to the presentation of the report, Councillors made the following comments:

·       Some Strategic City Transport budgets have been realigned in order to correct a historical anomaly.  For clarity, in future any actions and movement of that type would include commentary within the report.

·       Local Area Committee projects from CIL funds feature in GR17 and PR10 and would be further developed in future reports.  The general delay to projects could in part be attributed to the team being under resourced as well as the contractors not as willing to engage in small schemes.  Batching of schemes may be more attractive prospects to contractors.  It was also noted that the boundaries between Area Authorities had been altered.

·       With reference to the previous item, it was confirmed that if patronage of park and ride schemes increased it would in turn affect the subsidy via the Combined Authority.

That the Committee for Transport and Connectivity notes the contents of the report on the P5 forecast for the Transport and Connectivity Committee.