To receive any questions from members of the public which have been submitted in advance of the meeting in accordance with the cabinet procedure rules. The deadline for the receipt of public questions is midnight Wednesday 13 January 2021.
Minutes:
1. Richard Aldwinckle
Why have Southwark stated in the Streetspace FAQ July 2020 that ‘people who […] cycle visit their high streets […] typically spend more money over time than people who come by car’ when the latter point is flatly contradicted by the referenced source, TFL 2013 (pages 54-55) and by the experience of Dulwich traders (see Phase 1 Objections)?
Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads
Transport for London (TfL) have published research which shows that walking and cycling improvements boost high street and local town centres and can increase retail sales by up to 30%. TfL’s research found that on average, people who walk and cycle take more trips to the high street each month, and people who walk to the high street spend up to 40% more than people who drive. More information is available in this TfL report: ‘Walking & cycling: the economic benefits’ http://content.tfl.gov.uk/walking-cycling-economic-benefits-summary-pack.pdf
In recent years many public realm schemes have been built to help high streets. More pavement space and two new pedestrian crossings have recently been built in Camberwell town centre. Railton Road was closed in Herne Hill and since then businesses have flourished, and there is now space for a popular farmer’s market which has become the busiest day for the shops here.
2. Caroline Connellan
Dulwich Village Ward Councillors have repeatedly asserted that a permit scheme would in due course be implemented to allow access through the restrictions, why did Southwark state in the Streetspace FAQ that ‘Allowing a resident permit system does not support [this] commitment to reduce shorter car journeys.’
Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads
The traffic measures now in place are designed to encourage alternate means of travel such as cycling or walking.
Allowing local residents permits to access camera controlled traffic restrictions would not support our commitment to reducing shorter car journeys.
However, we are actively working on a solution to support Blue Badge holders and other vulnerable residents, whose overall needs will also be given additional consideration as part of the imminent review of the Dulwich Village LTN measures.
3. Marianne Kavanagh (Question asked by Richard Aldwinckle on Marianne Kavanagh’s behalf)
Please can Southwark say when (which month) the review of Dulwich Village Phase 1 & 2 ETOs will be and confirm that it will accept and implement the results of the review’s survey (and not mirror the actions of Croydon Council who have dismissed the results of their own consultation)?
Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads
The review of the Dulwich Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, including Dulwich Village, East Dulwich and Champion Hill, is anticipated to commence in the first half of February. Prior to this, all stakeholders will be provided with a clear timeline and summary of the scope of the review.
The council will take full consideration of the results of the review on any recommendations concerning the future of the Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes and our wider strategy for a Low Traffic Southwark.
4. Matt Reynolds
Given recent negative comments in the press, attributable to a Southwark Labour councillor in relation to LTNs, are these still a key component of Southwark's plans to address the climate emergency? If not what alternatives will be immediately actioned that can be achieved in terms of budget/impact to meet the objectives of the Low Traffic Borough Plan?
Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have been, and continue to be a key component of our commitment to achieving our objectives of a Low Traffic Southwark.
A number of LTNs have been introduced as trials in response to both the Covid-19 pandemic and local priorities. Our most recent LTNs have been delivered in partnership with Guy's and St. Thomas' Charity. In addition to this, each term more school streets are being rolled out, creating safer spaces and cleaner air for children in Southwark.
The monitoring and evaluation of all these schemes provide important data and real insights that help shape our future policies and help deliver the structures to becoming a low traffic borough. This work is being developed currently and will build upon Southwark’s Movement Plan and other transport, infrastructure and public realm strategies - https://www.southwark.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-transport-policy/transport-policy/policy-and-guidance-documents/movement-plan
For many years, LTNs such as school streets have encouraged modal shift to sustainable and zero carbon forms of transport. This helps reduces car use and ownership, which can lower vehicle emissions and help improve air quality, this is fundamental to underpinning our commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency.
Each questioner was provided with the opportunity for a supplemental question and Councillor Catherine Rose, cabinet member for leisure, environment and roads responded at the meeting.