Agenda item

Motion by Councillor Bandel - Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route Consultation

“Committee:

1.       Notes the contested decision of the Transport & Environment committee in June 2023 to separately readvertise the ETRO for the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route scheme whilst agreeing that the aims of the scheme should not be “diluted.”

2.       Considers that the aim of the Quiet Route is about more than just facilitating safe cycling routes for residents and instead is about reducing traffic levels and making residential areas safer and quieter, in line with the Council target of reducing car km usage by 30% by 2030.

3.       Therefore, notes with concern that multiple options put forward for consideration as part of the readvertised ETRO include the removal of modal filters which will reintroduce motor traffic into residential areas, including an option to wholly remove all filters in the southern section of the route, and considers that these proposals do “dilute” the scheme.

4.       Recognises that whilst a workshop with ward Councillors was held to discuss options, no consensus was reached about what options were appropriate to bring forward as part of the consultation, and notes with concern that some options – for example, to reopen sections of Whitehouse Loan to motor vehicles – were discussed when some Councillors were not present owing to the workshop significantly overrunning.

5.       Notes that whilst it is important and useful to bring in local knowledge via engagement with ward members, private officer-member workshops are neither democratic nor a decision-making body in the Council.

6.       Therefore, reaffirms that Transport & Environment committee is the decision-making body for this matter and that the final option for the Quiet Route will be agreed at committee, following consideration of comments put forward by residents through the consultation process.

7.       Nevertheless, despite the concerns raised above, encourages residents to participate in the consultation so that their views are heard.”