Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

The Chair asked the Committee members to introduce themselves.

There were no apologies.

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.

The Chair outlined the following:

·       A report to consider the Golden Motion ‘Make Bristol the UK’s Most Accessible City’ approved at the 8 October 2024 meeting of Full Council would be presented to the Policy Committee in early 2025.

·       It was noted that there was no Finance update on the agenda as there were no changes to report since the last meeting.

·       The Chair had considered the options for road safety measures for Bellevue Road and had received information that there had been no collisions at that junction for the last five years so had therefore concluded that there were more pressing priorities at the current time.

Parking and Kerbside Strategy Task and Finish Group updated the Policy Committee

about the ongoing work of the Parking and Kerbside Strategy Task and Finish Group. Two meetings had taken place to date to consider the scope and hear from colleagues in Lambeth Council about the development of their Kerbside Strategy. 

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 29 November. 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 3 December]. 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 3 December. 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/petition or ask your question

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

Public Forum Statements:

Statements were received as follows:

To consider a range of measures to promote sustainable transport through parking policy.  Measures to withdraw current subsidies for discretionary services, to rationalise anomalies, to improve the customer experience and to facilitate effective enforcement will make efficient use of a range of public spaces to help change driver behaviour towards sustainable modes of travel.

Subject to any statutory consultation, the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved the enforcement of School Keep Clear restrictions via ANPR cameras.

2.      Approved the proposed changes to 30-minute free parking in RPS to aid enforcement.

3.      Approved the staged increase to Civil Enforcement Officer numbers and technological improvements as described in this report to improve efficiency and coverage.

4.      Approved the removal of free business permits for electric or low emissions vehicles in the RPS.

5.      Approved this matter being delegated to Parking and Kerbside Strategy Task and Finish Group for consideration, ahead of any finalised proposals being brought to the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee for a decision.

6.      Approved the implementation of charges at District Car Parks as described in this report, subject to free parking be available from the ticket machine as well as over the phone or app.

7.      Delegated authority to the Executive Director, Growth and Regeneration to implement the approved proposals.

And that, the Committee also:

1.      Noted that officers will not remove 3rd permits subject to a holistic review of RPS operations and policy by the Parking and Kerbside Strategy Task and Finish Group, which will then be reported back to committee.

Contractual:

1.      Authorised the Executive Director, Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to procure/extend/vary and award any contracts in relation to the delivery of the proposals in Part 1, in-line with the procurement advice.

2.      Authorised the Executive Director, Growth and Regeneration to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in any contracts being awarded.

The Committee considered a report that presented a range of measures to promote sustainable transport through parking policy; measures to withdraw current subsidies for discretionary services, to rationalise anomalies, to improve the customer experience and to facilitate effective enforcement will make efficient use of a range of public spaces to help change driver behaviour towards sustainable modes of travel.

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 outlined the report to Members and confirmed that each recommendation would be considered in turn.

Recommendation 1

The first recommendation within the report proposed the introduction of ANPR camera enforcement at Schools to enforcement Traffic Regulation Order contraventions of parking on school keep clear markings with camera technology.  Cameras could be deployed on a rotational basis to target particularly problematic areas.  Members raised the role of educating parents and drivers about children’s safety alongside.

The report and recommendation 1 were moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Wilcox. On being put to the vote the recommendation was APPROVED unanimously.

It was APPROVED that subject to any statutory consultation, the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved the enforcement of School Keep Clear restrictions via ANPR cameras.

Recommendation 2

The second recommendation of the report proposed improvements to the operation of 30 minutes free parking in Resident’s Parking Schemes.  It was proposed that 30-minute free tickets be withdrawn from machines and made available through the digital parking provider only.  Traffic Regulation Orders to then be amended to enforce the ‘no return’ limits to prohibit multiple free stays.

It was highlighted that different machines could have the capability to ensure that the system cannot be abused by way of multiple tickets or only allowing text in the form of number plates, however, that is not the case with the machines currently installed.

Recommendation 2 was moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Bryher. On being put to the vote the recommendation was APPROVED with 8 voting FOR, 1 AGAINST

It was APPROVED that subject to any statutory consultation, the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

2.      Approved the proposed changes to 30-minute free parking in RPS to aid enforcement.

Recommendation 3

The recommendation proposed to undertake an operational review of Civil Enforcement Officers.  Members supported the recommendation as not just a matter of enforcing legality but also of ensuring safety of residents.  Officers patrolled individually with body cams and communication devices as well as patrolling with colleagues.  Officers patrolled different areas and targeted some concept areas such as bus lanes to ensure they are clear.  Hand in hand it was also important to ensure the maintenance budget for repainting lines to backup enforcement.

Recommendation 3 was moved by Councillor Plowden and seconded by Councillor Coombes. On being put to the vote the recommendation was APPROVED unanimously.

It was APPROVED that subject to any statutory consultation, the Transport  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

1.      To seek approval to procure a new cashless (telephone) parking contract for 10 years with value subject to contract award up to £10,000,000.

2.      To seek approval for a phased reduction of Pay and Display (P&D) machines throughout the city, for P&D machines as described in the report, subject to a case-by-case analysis as descried in the Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA).

3.      To seek approval to procure a contract of value £5,000,000 to replace remaining P&D machines on a 5-year schedule, including 10-years maintenance for each machine from the point of installation.

4.      To seek approval to award a contract of value £500,000 for the continued operation and maintenance of the council’s existing P&D machines for the 5-year duration of the replacement programme.

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved the proposed reduction of Pay & Display machine numbers as described in this report.

2.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure and award a 10-year contract (5+2+2+1 years) for cashless parking in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

3.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

4.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure and award a contract for Pay & Display machines replacement and subsequent maintenance, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

5.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure a new interim contract for Pay & Display machine operation and maintenance in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

6.      Approved the funding mechanisms outlined in this report.

The Committee considered a report that sought approval to procure a new cashless (telephone) parking contract for 10 years with a phased reduction of Pay and Display (P&D) machines to a specified schedule as outlined in the report.

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 that when Pay and Display machines around the City were at the end of their life and replacements would be sought that reflected the current and future use including increasing the ability to take payments online. 

In response to Councillors questions and comments, Officers confirmed that:

·       Machines with the highest tariff such as in long stay car parks would be more likely to suit online use.  Those facilitating shorter parking periods were more likely to require a cash option and less suitable to the contactless option when considering the cost of operation.

·       Specifications would be discussed with suppliers during the procurement process for example, the durability of the machines (e.g where digits no longer visible due to wear) and ease of operation for those with accessibility needs, whether a phone linked to the supplier could be installed to allow use when someone hasn’t got a phone, smarter machines that can only recognise car registrations and also ability to in future consider the emissions value of vehicles in relation to charges.

·       Contactless machines are more expensive to run with added transaction cost.  Officers could confirm the difference in cost to Members during the process.

The financial detail was contained within the purpose at the head of the report which specified the maximum of the budget envelope sought.

1.        To seek approval to procure a new cashless (telephone) parking contract for 10 years with value subject to contract award up to £10,000,000.

2.        To seek approval for a phased reduction of Pay and Display (P&D) machines throughout the city, for P&D machines as described in the report, subject to a case-by-case analysis as descried in the Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA).

3.        To seek approval to procure a contract of value £5,000,000 to replace remaining P&D machines on a 5-year schedule, including 10-years maintenance for each machine from the point of installation.

4.        To seek approval to award a contract of value £500,000 for the continued operation and maintenance of the council’s existing P&D machines for the 5-year duration of the replacement programme.

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

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved the proposed reduction of Pay & Display machine numbers as described in this report.

2.      Authorised the Executive Director of Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure and award a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To seek approval to submit the Muller Road phase 2 Outline Business Case (OBC) and reallocate the outstanding Investment Fund (IF) funding available to Concorde Way (Dovercourt Road).

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved submission of the OBC for Muller Road phase 2 to WECA for approval at the WECA Committee or WECA Directors with resurfacing of the back lanes behind 223 to 247 Muller Road and 2 to 38 Shaldon Road to be included in the Full Business Case for Muller Road Phase 2, these are public rights of way that need to be repaired and made accessible for residents to safely use.

2.      Approved that officers engage with WECA to seek the transfer of allocated £1,877k IF from Muller Road to Concorde Way (Dovercourt Road section).

3.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to seek the transfer of IF and to complete and submit the FBC to WECA if the OBC is approved.

4.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure and award the necessary contracts for this project (which may be over the key decision threshold), in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report, should the FBC be approved by the WECA Committee.

The Committee considered a report that sought approval to submit the Muller Road phase 2 Outline Business Case (OBC) and reallocate the outstanding Investment Fund (IF) funding available to Concorde Way (Dovercourt Road).

It was noted that this was a key decision report as the proposed decision involved spend of more than £500k.

The Head of City Transport presented the report, confirming that there is scope to consider amendments between the OBC and the Full Business Case (FBC) stages of the scheme such as additional bus stops or the siting of bus stops to improve access to the rail station.

In response to Councillors questions, Officers confirmed that:

·       The higher benefit attributed to the short bus lanes as set out within the report could be due to the amount of green time (of traffic lights) for buses. 

·       Once the infrastructure has been established that could enable the bus service operator to add more frequent buses due to better reliability.

·       The amount allowed for inflation would be reviewed within the FBC.

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

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Wilcox. 

Approves submission of the OBC for Muller Road phase 2 to WECA for approval at the WECA Committee or WECA Directors with resurfacing of the back lanes behind 223 to 247 Muller Road and 2 to 38 Shaldon Road to be included in the Full Business Case for Muller Road Phase 2, these are public rights of way that need to be repaired and made accessible for residents to safely use.

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Edwards.

On being put to the vote the amendment was CARRIED with 8 voting FOR and 1 ABSTENTION.

On being put to the vote the substantive motion as amended was CARRIED unanimously and it was APPROVED that;

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Approved submission of the OBC for Muller Road phase 2 to WECA for approval at the WECA Committee or WECA Directors with resurfacing of the back lanes behind 223 to 247 Muller Road and 2 to 38 Shaldon Road to be included in the Full Business Case for Muller Road Phase 2, these are public rights of way that need to be repaired and made accessible for residents to safely use.

2.      Approved that officers engage with WECA to seek the transfer of allocated £1,877k IF from Muller Road to Concorde Way (Dovercourt Road section).

3.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to seek the transfer of IF and to complete and submit the FBC to WECA if the OBC is approved.

4.      Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee to take all steps required to procure and award the necessary contracts for this project (which may be over the key decision threshold), in-line with the procurement routes and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To approve the delegation of the award of bus service contracts, up to a total of £4.7m, to the Supported Bus Services Priorities Task and Finish Group.

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Authorised the Supported Bus Services Priorities Task and Finish Group to take all steps to determine bus services contracts to be awarded through the West of England Combined Authority, up to a total cost of £4.7m.

The Committee considered a report that sought approval for the delegation of the award of bus service contracts, up to a total of £4.7m, to the Supported Bus Services Priorities Task and Finish Group.

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 City Transport presented the report.

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

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee authorised the Supported Bus Services Priorities Task and Finish Group to take all steps to determine bus services contracts to be awarded through the West of England Combined Authority, up to a total cost of £4.7m.

To provide an update on current significant strategic risks relevant to the Transport and Connectivity Committee. The risks relate to achieving objectives set in the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and the report summarises progress in managing the risks and actions being taken as at Quarter 2 September 2024-25.

The Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee:

1.      Noted the report.

The Committee considered a report that provided an update on current significant strategic risks relevant to the Transport and Connectivity Committee. The risks relate to achieving objectives set in the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and the report summarises progress in managing the risks and actions being taken as at Quarter 2 September 2024-25.

It was noted that this was a non key update report.  The Chair and Director of Economy of Place noted the following:

-          There was a time delay with the presentation of information due to it being presented to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee prior to the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee.  This had been reported to the Committee Model Review Group.

-          Many other risks are noted on the Risk Registers with those scoring over a threshold being presented to the Committee.  The Committee requested some comment or sight of those that remain of high level but just short of the threshold for presentation in the report.  Officers were also asked to present trend analysis to highlight those that may be rising in risk over time.

-          It had been requested to reframe the risk of ‘do nothing’ on congestion in relation to the Mass Transit System proposals, which was not currently reflected with the report due to the time lag.  Officers would action that.

-          CRR58 – It was acknowledged that there was ongoing consideration of the condition of the estate and assets in relation to the maintenance budget (including ongoing investigation of the New Cut Walls and consideration of gullys/drainage).

-          CRSTS programmes are condensed for delivery in 2026 with work ongoing to consider the delivery of every element and their relative timing.

The Executive Director and Directors review the Risk Register at their Executive Director Meeting and Departmental Management Meetings and would consider how to communicate a summarise the top related risks to the Policy Committee.   

Following the discussion the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee NOTED the report.