Present: David Moorhouse and Dave Jessup, LBG.
Liz Delap, Doug Ellison (part) and Nick Williams, Greenwich Cyclists
1. Role of the Group
Dave Moorhouse will now be working (almost) full-time on cycling issues, which was not previously the case. LBG committed to regular meetings every 2 months.
NW: GC would like to see this body act as a sounding board for council-wide planning and promotion of cycling and co-ordination of schemes within the borough. This goes beyond highways issues, though we are keen to examine and make comments on these proposals too. But it should not be solely about individual schemes.
DJ: would like it to: "educate the Council in their implementation and development of the ITP" and "help decide priorities." "Ownership" of the bids to TfL for cycleinfrastructure like the LCN+ would be an objective.
DJ: Influence on Council-wide issues is "problematic" as there is no budget - all money is bid for and though cyclists may want more, there is no 'new' money for cycling and the "majority" view is not in favour of increased spending on cycling facilities.
NW: the ITP committed the Council to making transport priorities - walkers, disabled people, cyclists and public transport at the top. Surely it should follow that that even if there is no 'new' money, existing budgets should be reallocated longer term to reflect these priorities.
DJ: This not a realistic prospect, though might be worked towards. Council has used its planning powers and has successfully developed travel plans for 6 schools so far (out of over 100) using Laura Rowley, the council Safer Routes to School officer. It would be possible to invite her to the next meeting. Action NW/DM
NW: Council failed to enforce planning conditions on bike parking at Firepower and at it's own Heritage Centre.
DJ: Heritage Centre Cycle Parking will be provided with LBG (LCN?) funding.
Planning permission was granted for redevelopment of the internal structure only, this does not include cycle parking.
NW: This is not 'adding value' i.e. the planning requirements would demand that a private developer do this from their own funds. Should equally apply to the Council itself or else developers will simply demand the cycle parking cash. It is evidence of a piecemeal strategy.
DJ: It's a legitimate way for the council to meet its obligations.
2. Cycling Strategy
DE: What is happening about the cycling strategy? Why are Greenwich Cyclist resources such as the draft cycling policy and expertise on planning matters not being utilised since they are being offered? GC need to be consulted about planning and TfL budget applications at an early stage while there is still time for changes.
DJ: Tfl will be requiring a borough strategy later this year. Greenwich will probably use some of GC's document at this stage. Gave a commitment to review the GC strategy once the Local Implementation Strategy is written, but this has been delayed by TfL.
DE: Why can't the Council have an interim one?
DJ: Council hasn't got the time to work on it, you could equally argue why hasn't the Council got a walking strategy etc. Greenwich has strategies currently within the Interim Local Implementation Plan (ILIP).
NW: There's no evidence that even the commitments in the ILIP are being delivered - a strategy needs targets and a timetabled programme so that it can be monitored and evaluated. The Deputy Prime Minister has set targets for increased cycle use and expects local authorities to contribute. There's no way of knowing whether Greenwich Council is contributing.
DM: The Council conducts regular counts/measures: 4-5 screen line counts made annually and one-off exercises at particular spots. These are available from Jerry Evens. But cycling numbers are heavily affected by weather.
LD: Can we have access to these counts ?
DJ: Yes, through Jerry Evens
NW: Need to take a look at the ILIP and assess it, compare what is being done on cycling against these commitments, see what is missing.
DJ: This is possible, though budget and other concerns (above) to be noted.
Action agreed
Dave Moorhouse to supply NW with the relevant pages of the ILIP. Action DM
Next meeting LBG will report on progress on implementation of the ILIP Action DM/DJ
Discussion also of 'gaps' i.e. areas not covered by the ILIP, and what can be done about them Action All
Laura Rowley, or other appropriate officers, to be invited Action DM/NW
3. LCN+ update
Some concerns that LCN+ routes still uncertain. NW to establish from LCC what the process is supposed to be. Action NW
Scheme | Allocation | Status |
|---|---|---|
Route 19 Greenwich Park to Bexley |
£55,000 for Maze Hill section |
not likely to be spent |
Route 18 Greenwich Town Centre to Bexley boundary |
£58,000 for Trafalgar Road |
will be spent |
Queen Elizabeth hospital links |
£80,000 |
Not all likely to be spent |
Thamesmead Area Improvements |
£55,000 |
will be spent |
Eltham Green Road/Middle Park Avenue |
£20,000 |
Awaiting consultation results from school - unlikely to be spent |
Cycle Parking |
£10,000 |
Can be spent - see below |
DJ: will have to notify TfL of likely underspend - £155,000 of £278,000 allocation will not be spent this year (55%).
Cycle Parking schemes underway. DM to supply list. Action DM
GC may be able to suggest additions. Action NW/LD
4.LCN+ future programme
Mayor of London SR2004 shows large shortfall - £30m ? on delivery of strategic transport projects. He has proposed savings, including cuts to the LCN+ budget.
GC proposed pressure to be put on Mayor via Len Duvall, though accountability here not very strong. Action GC
Scheme | Allocation | Status |
|---|---|---|
Riverside Path, missing link |
£200,000 for Westminster Industrial estate section. This to be matched by further £200,000 from walking budget. |
Not likely to be spent due to problems with businesses |
Woolwich Ferry Car Park Frontage |
£27,000 for design study |
Likely to proceed but DM/DJ unaware of proposals to shut mast Pond route. |
Trafalgar Road |
£13,000 for study of Hospital area - impact of parking. |
- |
Greenwich High Road |
£5,000 for design scheme |
- |
Kidbrooke Park Road/West Brook Road junction |
£5,000 for design scheme |
- |
King William Walk Contraflow |
£30,000 | Need to forward information about closure of Mast Pond Route to DM NW
In terms of LCN+ it looks like only £80,000 out of a total allocation of £280,000 will be spent next year (28%).
GC recommended urgent contact with TfL to see if allocation can be reallocated. to seek views on priorities from members. DJ - council would welcome their input. Action GC- |
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Link |
40,000 (non-LCN+) |
- |