Agenda item

Councillor Webbe, Executive Member for Environment & Transport presented the Islington Transport Strategy 2019-2041 to the Committee.

The following points were made:

·         Public consultation ends in September 2019 with the view that it will be considered and adopted by Executive winter 2019/20.

·         The Strategy aims to provide a healthy, efficient and sustainable modes of transport which will be affordable, accessible and enjoyable by all residents. The transport environment will be free from barriers to walking, cycling and public transport.

·         The Executive Member advised that the council aims to build on its legacy by providing a safe travel environment within the borough. Members were reminded of the brand new public space that was built at Archway; designated school streets to discourage car movement around schools; building car-free developments; introduction of parking permit charges based on CO2 emissions and diesel parking surcharges and Bunhill 2 which aims to heat homes.

·         In summary, the Executive Member informed the meeting about the 11 objectives of the strategy, the initiatives introduced to address the objectives and the targets.

·         In response to a question of addressing the high volume of vehicular movement by big businesses and specifically the Emirates on match days, the Executive Member reiterated to Members that the Strategy sets the framework after which Action Plans will address local issues. Members were advised that the Strategy provides permission to develop Liveable Neighbourhoods, reduce the impact of traffic and parking and work with business to discuss sustainable mode of transport.

·         On the issue of reducing car dependence and making public transport accessible and affordable, the meeting was informed that following discussion with the Mayor of London the hopper fare has been introduced on London buses travel. The meeting was informed that although the authority does not control bus routes it will continue to work with TFL and the Mayor of London. The authority encourages car club and the use of electric cars. Buses 43 and 134 are now electric which is to be welcomed.

·         On the question about the 20mph speed limit on the borough roads not being enforced, the meeting was advised that the council has no power to enforce it or issue fixed penalty notices but will be raising the issue with the Mayor of London.

·         In response to the suggestion that the resident roamer parking scheme should be scrapped because it is not aligned with the council’s ambition to reduce net carbon emissions to zero, the meeting was informed that there were no plans to scrap the scheme which exists to support those families that need the scheme to stay in place. The air quality impact of roamer parking will be reduced by the uptake of EVs.

·         With regards to the council’s healthy street initiative and the possibility of incorporating low cost measures like those observed during the visit to the Mini Holland project, the Executive Member advised that the strategy set out the criteria of what a healthy street should be like and where such street do not meet the criteria, an action plan would be put in place to fulfil the vision.

·         In response to concerns that the Transport Strategy does not encourage cycling but improving other modes of transport, the Executive Member advised that this Strategy is about a radical shift away from the use of cars to sustainable modes of transport and where vehicles are used the Council will be encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles. The Council is aiming not to issue car parking permits in the long run for its residents.

·         With regard to concerns that the Strategy is not evidence based and doubts about the data on which the strategy is based, the Executive Member advised that data utilised is from the office of the Mayor of London and will be checked.

·         In response to concerns that the Strategy favours the use of cars rather than cycling, the Executive Member emphasised that although Islington is not an anti-car borough, the Strategy builds on what the council has done in ensuring that Islington residents live in a healthy environment. Members were reminded that Islington remains has second lowest levels of car ownership in the country and that the Strategy seeks to reduce the total number of parking permits issued and investigate phasing out permits for diesel and petrol vehicles.

Resolved:
That the Strategy be noted.