Agenda item

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/56)

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

RESOLVED

          (a)   that, following consultation, the proposed changes to the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) be endorsed, prior to formal adoption of the LCWIP at Cabinet in due course;

          (b)   that the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Chair of HATOC and the local Members, to make minor alterations to the Plan; and

          (c)   that consideration be given to the strategic route along Holloway Street and Topsham Road being included in the LCWIP, in consultation with the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, the Chair of HATOC and local Member.

The Committee considered the Report and presentation given (attached) of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/56) on the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). 

LCWIPs were strategic documents identifying cycling and walking improvement priorities at a local level.  The Exeter LCWIP aimed to:

-       Support the Council’s response to the climate emergency.

-       Promote increased active travel to support physical and mental health and wellbeing.

-       Encourage inclusivity and accessibility across the Exeter active travel network.

-       Deliver economic benefits in Exeter.

The LCWIP fulfilled these aims by setting out active travel proposals that took account of evidence and data on existing and future demand, ensuring proposals met the latest design standards and prioritised infrastructure schemes in readiness for funding bids. The LCWIP would be an important document in leveraging Government funding by evidencing that investment was targeted where it could have the greatest impact.

Questions and discussion points with Members included:

-       LCWIP routes along some arterial roads had been omitted due to overcoming difficulties on some routes, such as pinchpoints, making it impossible to achieve a consistent high quality standard, and the focus instead had been on parallel routes, but this did not rule out improvements to arterial routes, made on a case by case basis.

-       The Local Member wished to have Topsham Road included in the LCWIP.

-       Although there were a lot of 20 mph speed limit schemes across Exeter, Members were able to put in requests for further areas to be considered, dependent on funding.

-       Disappointment in not receiving funding for Mallison Bridge, however it was hoped it would be considered in future funding rounds, as it was part of the LCWIP walking zones.

-       Issues around shared use routes was raised. All new future routes would be designed according to latest government standards, however, this may not be possible or practical everywhere, therefore there were no plans to remove shared paths, and in certain circumstances sections of shared use routes may need to be considered.

-       Information on how routes were prioritised was available in the LCWIP Strategy document and on the Have Your Say website: devon.cc/exeterlcwip

-       As to St Andrew’s Road – the Boniface Trail was in the early feasibility stages; and the Environment Agency and Network Rail were both key stakeholders and involved in discussions.

-       The Chair and Vice-Chair requested an item at the next meeting to look at the background decisions made relating to the 20 mph speed limit zones across Exeter, with a view to their expansion.

-       The E9 cycling route, Topsham/Newcourt to City Centre via Wonford and St Leonards, was a strategic route which was being monitored regularly, together with traffic volume in the area.

-       Members wished to highlight the importance of cutting back vegetation and clearing of cycle routes as part of the annual maintenance programme; and Members were advised to report any issues online.

-       Information on  school travel plans and the bikeability courses were offered to schools by the Council.

It was MOVED by Councillor Barnes, SECONDED by Councillor Parkhouse and

RESOLVED

          (a)   that, following consultation, the proposed changes to the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) be endorsed, prior to formal adoption of the LCWIP at Cabinet in due course;

          (b)   that the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Chair of HATOC and the local Members, to make minor alterations to the Plan; and

          (c)   that consideration be given to the strategic route along Holloway Street and Topsham Road being included in the LCWIP, in consultation with the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, the Chair of HATOC and local Member.