Agenda item

To receive a report from officers providing an overview of the Lower Road Project and how the plans for Lower Road have been developed, including decisions around consultation and considerations around safety. (To follow)

The committee considered a report on the Lower Road Project.

The committee first heard from ward councillors representing Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks wards. Councillors Adam Hood, Stephanie Cryan, Kath Whittam

The councillors highlighted concerns regarding:

• Long-standing congestion issues.
• Delays to implementation of wider improvements.
• Changes made to the original scheme design.
• Traffic flow and junction capacity.
• Bus journey times and accessibility.
• Consultation and engagement with ward councillors, residents and local businesses.
• Delivery of Phase Two of the project.

The committee then heard from officers Michael Benn, Director of Highways and Parking, Polyvios, Polyviou, Head of Highways and Sustainable Transport Policy and Clement, Agyei-Frempong, Principal Project Manager- Environment, Sustainability & Leisure

The committee was informed that:

• The scheme formed part of Cycleway 4 linking London Bridge and Greenwich.
• Cycling movements on Lower Road had increased significantly since implementation.
• Traffic volumes had reduced while heavy goods vehicle movements and collisions had also reduced.
• Congestion and bus journey time issues remained significant concerns.
• Officers were committed to developing Phase Two improvements alongside Transport for London.
• Additional measures were being introduced to improve co-ordination of roadworks and network management.

The committee then asked questions on the following themes:

• Consultation and engagement with ward councillors.
• Lessons learned from the scheme.
• Funding for Phase Two.
• Success criteria and project outcomes.
• Bus journey times and congestion.
• Equality impacts, particularly on older residents relying on public transport.
• Relationship with Transport for London.
• Future governance and reporting arrangements.

Officers advised that funding for Phase Two had not yet been secured and that discussions with Transport for London and other potential funding sources were ongoing. Officers also committed to improving engagement with ward councillors and providing regular project updates.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to:

1. Develop a funded delivery plan for Phase Two of the Lower Road Project.
2. Carry out a review of the Equalities Impact Assessment, particularly in relation to older residents and public transport users.
3. Undertake regular formal engagement and progress updates with relevant ward councillors.
4. Introduce provision of an audit trail setting out key design and implementation changes, including reasons for those changes.
5. Monitor the impact of safety and junction improvements on traffic conditions and bus journey times.