Agenda item

Note:

Under the Council’s constitution, 30 minutes are available for the consideration of motions. In practice, this realistically means that there is usually only time for one, or possibly two motions to be considered.

 

With the agreement of the Lord Mayor, motion 1 below will be considered at this meeting, and motion 2 is likely to be considered, subject to time.

 

Details of other motions submitted, (which, due to time constraints, are very unlikely to be considered at this meeting) are also set out for information.

 

MOTIONS RECEIVED FOR FULL COUNCIL

 

GOLDEN MOTION (CONSERVATIVE PARTY): COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HIGHWAYS PRIORITIES & PRACTICES

 

“This Council recognises that much of the city’s vital infrastructure is crumbling and in need of substantial repair.  The deteriorating and worsening condition of our highways from neglected potholes demonstrates that far more resources need to be invested in restoring, renovating, and resurfacing the road network.

 

Council acknowledges the positive news of additional Government funding – nearly £1m from the Pothole Action Fund – which recognises that the ‘curse of potholes’ is not only an inconvenience to road users, but also a danger to life, limb, and property.  However, much more needs to be done locally if the Authority is to meet its statutory obligations. Aside from the threats posed by the poor physical state of our roads, Council is concerned over the delays in reinstating white markings to surfaces following redressing.  The absence of such features can cause safety issues.

 

Council accepts that a more equitable funding allocation for minor traffic schemes in Area Committees is necessary to end the current system whereby some wards benefit at the expense of others within these groupings.  This can be particularly unfair on those parts of the city which do not benefit from CIL funding. 

 

Council endorses the introduction of lane rental charging of third parties which would levy a fee for each day that a road is closed for work.  At present, utility companies pay a single small sum to get a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) which lasts for 18 months.  In practice, this situation provides no incentive for them to get upgrades or repairs done quickly.

 

Furthermore, Council notes that the latest schematics for the upgraded A37/4018 and A4 strategic bus corridors still requires further mitigation measures if this major transport route is to deliver real improvements to the travelling public.

 

Accordingly, Council calls on the Mayor to undertake the following actions:-

 

1. Conduct an urgent review of the Highways Department’s operating practices and procedures to expedite or provide more timely interventions.

2. Reconsider his Administration’s current corporate priorities and the capital programme to identify where greater investment can be found for the better upkeep of carriageways across Bristol.

3. Introduce a lane rental scheme to expedite works on our roads – something which has previously been considered by Highways Officers.

4. Support the convening of a dedicated Scrutiny Inquiry Day tasked with finding realistic and workable solutions to these challenges.

5. Consider implementing any or all recommendations which arise out of such deliberations.”

 

To be moved by Cllr Steve Smith

 

Date of submission: 31st August 2023

 

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SILVER MOTION (LABOUR): SAVE OUR TICKET OFFICES

 

This council notes:

·       The proposals from the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group to close almost all railway ticket offices nationwide, including all ticket offices in the South West region.

·       There are many stations in the South West which do not have ticket machines.

·       The proposed closures have caused particular concern amongst unions, disabled-led campaign groups and metro-mayors, including West of England Combined Authority Mayor Dan Norris.

·       The Labour-led council and WECA’s work to improve rail travel in Bristol. Portway Park and Ride, the first new station in Bristol for 96 years, is now open. Ashley Down station is under construction and Henbury station has had planning documents submitted. In the wider region, Filton North station has had planning permission approved; Pill and Portishead stations are set to open in 2025.

·       The Temple Quarter regeneration project – which is set to double Temple Meads’ capacity – and its ongoing work with the Temple Quarter Accessibility Advisory Group, to ensure this landmark station is as accessible as possible.

·       Lawrence Hill and Parson street stations both have stepped access to each platform.

This Council believes:

·       The closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect older people, disabled people and people who do not have regular access to the internet. 

·       The council and its partners have a duty to ensure that our railway stations are accessible for all.

·       The lack of staff in the station will likely lead to more antisocial behaviour, making stations feel more unsafe, leading people to use alternate forms of travel.

·       The closure of ticket offices should be condemned.

 

This Council resolves to:

·       Publicly oppose the proposal to close ticket offices and make further representations to both the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group.

·       If the Government is intent on moving ahead with these plans, call on the Mayor to instruct officers to work with partners to ensure every station in the South West has ticket machines installed.

·       Refer this issue to Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Great Western Railways are invited to attend a Scrutiny Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans for ticket offices and staffing.

·       Call on Party Group Leaders to ask the West of England Combined Authority to bring forward plans to improve accessibility at Lawrence Hill and Parson Street stations as a priority, and look to improve accessibility at Bedminster and Stapleton Road.

 

Proposed by Councillor Tim Rippington (Labour Party)

Received 30 August 2023

 

 

GOLDEN MOTION (CONSERVATIVE PARTY): COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HIGHWAYS PRIORITIES & PRACTICES

 

Councillor Steve Smith moved the following motion:

 

“This Council recognises that much of the city’s vital infrastructure is crumbling and in need of substantial repair.  The deteriorating and worsening condition of our highways from neglected potholes demonstrates that far more resources need to be invested in restoring, renovating, and resurfacing the road network.

 

Council acknowledges the positive news of additional Government funding – nearly £1m from the Pothole Action Fund – which recognises that the ‘curse of potholes’ is not only an inconvenience to road users, but also a danger to life, limb, and property.  However, much more needs to be done locally if the Authority is to meet its statutory obligations. Aside from the threats posed by the poor physical state of our roads, Council is concerned over the delays in reinstating white markings to surfaces following redressing.  The absence of such features can cause safety issues.

 

Council accepts that a more equitable funding allocation for minor traffic schemes in Area Committees is necessary to end the current system whereby some wards benefit at the expense of others within these groupings.  This can be particularly unfair on those parts of the city which do not benefit from CIL funding. 

 

Council endorses the introduction of lane rental charging of third parties which would levy a fee for each day that a road is closed for work.  At present, utility companies pay a single small sum to get a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) which lasts for 18 months.  In practice, this situation provides no incentive for them to get upgrades or repairs done quickly.

 

Furthermore, Council notes that the latest schematics for the upgraded A37/4018 and A4 strategic bus corridors still requires further mitigation measures if this major transport route is to deliver real improvements to the travelling public.

 

Accordingly, Council calls on the Mayor to undertake the following actions:-

 

1. Conduct an urgent review of the Highways Department’s operating practices and procedures to expedite or provide more timely interventions.

 

2. Reconsider his Administration’s current corporate priorities and the capital programme to identify where greater investment can be found for the better upkeep of carriageways across Bristol.

 

3. Introduce a lane rental scheme to expedite works on our roads – something which has previously been considered by Highways Officers.

 

4. Support the convening of a dedicated Scrutiny Inquiry Day tasked with finding realistic and workable solutions to these challenges.

5. Consider implementing any or all recommendations which arise out of such deliberations.”

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Graham Morris.

 

Councillor Fabian Breckels then moved the following amendment:

 

That the motion be amended to read as follows:

 

“This Council recognises that much of the city’s vital infrastructure is crumbling and in need of substantial repair. the deteriorating and worsening condition of our highways demonstrates that far more resources need to be invested in our city, including restoring, renovating, and resurfacing the road network.

 

Council acknowledges the positive news of additional Government funding – nearly £1m from the Pothole Action Fund – which recognises that the ‘curse of potholes’ is not only an inconvenience to road users, but also a danger to life, limb, and property. 

 

However, Council notes that funding to remediate potholes is provided primarily by the Government and that the current budget provided is only around a tenth of what is required to fix every pothole in Bristol. Nationally, it has been estimated in excess of £14 billion is needed to address the road repairs backlog across the country, which would take 11 years without further support.

 

Council notes that the number of potholes in Bristol is down by 60% when compared to 2016. However, much more needs to be done locally and much more funding needs to be provided nationally if the Authority is to meet its statutory obligations. Aside from the threats posed by the poor physical state of our roads, Council is concerned over the delays in reinstating white markings, double yellow lines and painted bike lanes to surfaces following redressing. The absence of such features can cause safety issues.

 

Council accepts that a more equitable funding allocation for minor traffic schemes in Area Committees is necessary to end the current system whereby some wards benefit at the expense of others within these groupings.  This can be particularly unfair on those parts of the city which do not benefit from CIL funding and even areas with more development can usually not afford to fund minor traffic schemes. However, Council also notes that due to chronic underfunding over many years, the ability of the transport team to deliver these schemes has been severely compromised.

 

Council notes that at present, utility companies pay a single small sum to get a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), which lasts for 18 months. In practice, this situation provides no incentive for them to get upgrades of repairs done quickly.

 

Council notes initial Lane Rental investigations were commissioned by the Labour Administration in late August. Lane Rental can only apply to 5% of the City’s highway network, meaning any revenue generated is unlikely to be significant. Lane Rental would also apply to the Highways Authority, so under such scheme, the council would need to pay to rent its own road space.

 

Council notes that revenue generated from a Lane Rental scheme cannot be directly reinvested into highways. Any spending of the revenue would need to be considered by a Lane Rental Board, which includes stakeholders such as utilities companies. Lane Rental monies are usually used for innovation rather than routine maintenance.

 

Council notes when works are complete, both the road and pavement should be left improved – there should not be missing paving slabs or gullies in the road.

 

Council notes that the latest schematics for the upgraded A37/4018 and A4 strategic bus corridors still requires further mitigation measures if this major transport route is to deliver real improvements to the travelling public.

 

Accordingly, Council calls on the Mayor to undertake the following actions:-

 

1. Call on Party Group Leaders to lobby the Government for more funding to maintain Bristol’s carriageways.

 

2. Conduct an urgent review of the Highways Department’s operating practices and procedures including FixMyStreet to expedite or provide more timely interventions.

 

3. Reaffirm his Administration’s current corporate priorities and look at the capital and maintenance programme to identify where greater investment can be found for the better upkeep of carriageways, pavements and cycle lanes across Bristol.

 

4. Look again at Introducing a lane rental scheme to expedite works on our roads – something which has previously been considered by Highways Officers – noting that there are many drawbacks with a scheme and that it is not a ‘silver bullet’

 

5. Support the convening of a dedicated Scrutiny Inquiry Day tasked with finding realistic and workable solutions to these challenges.

 

6. Consider implementing any or all recommendations which arise out of such deliberations.”

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Lisa Stone.

 

Following debate, upon being put to the vote, the amendment was CARRIED (42 For, 13 Against, 1 abstention).

 

The Lord Mayor then invited Councillor Smith, as mover of the original motion to speak.

 

Following final remarks, upon being put to the vote, the amended motion was CARRIED (56 For, 0 against, 0 abstentions) and it was

 

RESOLVED:

 

“This Council recognises that much of the city’s vital infrastructure is crumbling and in need of substantial repair. the deteriorating and worsening condition of our highways demonstrates that far more resources need to be invested in our city, including restoring, renovating, and resurfacing the road network.

 

Council acknowledges the positive news of additional Government funding – nearly £1m from the Pothole Action Fund – which recognises that the ‘curse of potholes’ is not only an inconvenience to road users, but also a danger to life, limb, and property. 

 

However, Council notes that funding to remediate potholes is provided primarily by the Government and that the current budget provided is only around a tenth of what is required to fix every pothole in Bristol. Nationally, it has been estimated in excess of £14 billion is needed to address the road repairs backlog across the country, which would take 11 years without further support.

 

Council notes that the number of potholes in Bristol is down by 60% when compared to 2016. However, much more needs to be done locally and much more funding needs to be provided nationally if the Authority is to meet its statutory obligations. Aside from the threats posed by the poor physical state of our roads, Council is concerned over the delays in reinstating white markings, double yellow lines and painted bike lanes to surfaces following redressing. The absence of such features can cause safety issues.

 

Council accepts that a more equitable funding allocation for minor traffic schemes in Area Committees is necessary to end the current system whereby some wards benefit at the expense of others within these groupings.  This can be particularly unfair on those parts of the city which do not benefit from CIL funding and even areas with more development can usually not afford to fund minor traffic schemes. However, Council also notes that due to chronic underfunding over many years, the ability of the transport team to deliver these schemes has been severely compromised.

 

Council notes that at present, utility companies pay a single small sum to get a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), which lasts for 18 months. In practice, this situation provides no incentive for them to get upgrades of repairs done quickly.

 

Council notes initial Lane Rental investigations were commissioned by the Labour Administration in late August. Lane Rental can only apply to 5% of the City’s highway network, meaning any revenue generated is unlikely to be significant. Lane Rental would also apply to the Highways Authority, so under such scheme, the council would need to pay to rent its own road space.

 

Council notes that revenue generated from a Lane Rental scheme cannot be directly reinvested into highways. Any spending of the revenue would need to be considered by a Lane Rental Board, which includes stakeholders such as utilities companies. Lane Rental monies are usually used for innovation rather than routine maintenance.

 

Council notes when works are complete, both the road and pavement should be left improved – there should not be missing paving slabs or gullies in the road.

 

Council notes that the latest schematics for the upgraded A37/4018 and A4 strategic bus corridors still requires further mitigation measures if this major transport route is to deliver real improvements to the travelling public.

 

Accordingly, Council calls on the Mayor to undertake the following actions:-

 

1. Call on Party Group Leaders to lobby the Government for more funding to maintain Bristol’s carriageways.

 

2. Conduct an urgent review of the Highways Department’s operating practices and procedures including FixMyStreet to expedite or provide more timely interventions.

 

3. Reaffirm his Administration’s current corporate priorities and look at the capital and maintenance programme to identify where greater investment can be found for the better upkeep of carriageways, pavements and cycle lanes across Bristol.

 

4. Look again at Introducing a lane rental scheme to expedite works on our roads – something which has previously been considered by Highways Officers – noting that there are many drawbacks with a scheme and that it is not a ‘silver bullet’

 

5. Support the convening of a dedicated Scrutiny Inquiry Day tasked with finding realistic and workable solutions to these challenges.

 

6. Consider implementing any or all recommendations which arise out of such deliberations.”

 

--

 

(ALTERED) SILVER MOTION (LABOUR PARTY): SAVE OUR TICKET OFFICES

 

Councillor Tim Rippington moved the following altered motion:

 

Save Our Ticket Offices

 

This council notes:

• The proposals from the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group to close almost all railway ticket offices nationwide, including all ticket offices in the South West region.

 

• There are many stations in the South West which do not have ticket machines.

 

• The proposed closures have caused particular concern across all political parties, amongst unions, disabled-led campaign groups and metro-mayors, including West of England Combined Authority Mayor Dan Norris. 

 

• Years of work from local campaigning and community groups, together with this Labour-led council and WECA’s work to improve rail travel in Bristol, has finally born fruit and seen the  Portway Park and Ride, the first new station in Bristol for 96 years, open to the public. Ashley Down station is under construction and Henbury station has had planning documents submitted. In the wider region, Filton North station has had planning permission approved; Pill and Portishead stations are set to open in 2025.

 

• The Temple Quarter regeneration project – which is set to double Temple Meads’ capacity – and its ongoing work with the Temple Quarter Accessibility Advisory Group, to ensure this landmark station is as accessible as possible.

 

• Lawrence Hill and Parson Street stations both have stepped access to each platform.

 

This Council believes:

 

• The closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect older people, disabled people and people who do not have regular access to the internet. 

 

• The council and its partners have a duty to ensure that our railway stations are accessible for all.

 

• The lack of staff in the station will likely lead to more antisocial behaviour, making stations feel more unsafe, leading people to use alternate forms of travel.

 

• The proposed closure of ticket offices should be condemned.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

• Publicly oppose the proposal to close ticket offices and make further representations to both the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group.

 

• If the Government is intent on moving ahead with these plans, call on the Mayor to instruct officers to work with partners to ensure every station in the South West has ticket machines installed.

 

• Refer this issue to Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Great Western Railways and all relevant unions, including RMT and ASLEF. are invited to attend a Scrutiny Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans for ticket offices and staffing.

 

• Call on Party Group Leaders to ask the West of England Combined Authority to bring forward plans to improve accessibility at Lawrence Hill and Parson Street stations as a priority and look to improve accessibility at Bedminster and Stapleton Road.

 

Councillor Phillipa Hulme seconded the motion.

 

Following debate, upon being put to the vote, the altered motion was CARRIED (55 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions) it was

 

RESOLVED:

 

Save Our Ticket Offices

 

This council notes:

• The proposals from the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group to close almost all railway ticket offices nationwide, including all ticket offices in the South West region.

 

• There are many stations in the South West which do not have ticket machines.

 

• The proposed closures have caused particular concern across all political parties, amongst unions, disabled-led campaign groups and metro-mayors, including West of England Combined Authority Mayor Dan Norris. 

 

• Years of work from local campaigning and community groups, together with this Labour-led council and WECA’s work to improve rail travel in Bristol, has finally born fruit and seen the  Portway Park and Ride, the first new station in Bristol for 96 years, open to the public. Ashley Down station is under construction and Henbury station has had planning documents submitted. In the wider region, Filton North station has had planning permission approved; Pill and Portishead stations are set to open in 2025.

 

• The Temple Quarter regeneration project – which is set to double Temple Meads’ capacity – and its ongoing work with the Temple Quarter Accessibility Advisory Group, to ensure this landmark station is as accessible as possible.

 

• Lawrence Hill and Parson Street stations both have stepped access to each platform.

 

This Council believes:

 

• The closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect older people, disabled people and people who do not have regular access to the internet. 

 

• The council and its partners have a duty to ensure that our railway stations are accessible for all.

 

• The lack of staff in the station will likely lead to more antisocial behaviour, making stations feel more unsafe, leading people to use alternate forms of travel.

 

• The proposed closure of ticket offices should be condemned.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

• Publicly oppose the proposal to close ticket offices and make further representations to both the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group.

 

• If the Government is intent on moving ahead with these plans, call on the Mayor to instruct officers to work with partners to ensure every station in the South West has ticket machines installed.

 

• Refer this issue to Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Great Western Railways and all relevant unions, including RMT and ASLEF. are invited to attend a Scrutiny Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans for ticket offices and staffing.

 

• Call on Party Group Leaders to ask the West of England Combined Authority to bring forward plans to improve accessibility at Lawrence Hill and Parson Street stations as a priority and look to improve accessibility at Bedminster and Stapleton Road.