Agenda item

(To receive a report by Karl Gibson, Senior Project Leader, which invites the Committee to consider the Lincoln Transport Strategy report and summary document. This decision is due to be considered by the Executive on 07 April 2020. The views of this Committee will be reported to the Executive as part of its consideration of this item)

Consideration was given to a report in connection with the Lincoln Transport Strategy which was to be considered by the Executive on 7 April 2020.

Officers described how the strategy had evolved, its' preparation by the County Council, City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven and West Lindsey District Councils and that it aimed to provide a clear vision for the future of transport across the Lincoln area.

Comments by members included:-

·    The strategy should be used as a pilot to address issues in cities similar in size to Lincoln.

·    The need to encourage people to use public transport especially train services and that train fares should be kept low to encourage more people to use them.

·    The Joint Line should be electrified.

·    The Nettleham cycle route had been cut off by the development of the new roundabout at the junction of the A158/A46 Nettleham Road and was now dangerous for cyclists. It was suggested that improved joined up thinking would have overcome this problem. Officers stated that the whole cycle route between Nettleham and Lincoln would be examined because there was a need to know how people used this route including an examination of a footbridge on Nettleham Road. Officers also stated that it was proposed to examine the provision of priority cycle lanes on Wragby Road.

·    It was suggested that the reason for the delay in completing the Nettleham roundabout was the increased cost of the project.

·    A reduction in bus services was highlighted with some bus companies refusing to reinstate services which had led to an increase in car use.

·    It was important that the other participating local authorities involved in the preparation of the strategy were involved in its implementation and an enquiry about who was on the Strategy Board?

·    Lone walkers should be able to walk without the fear of crime.

·    HGV re-routing signs should be provided.

·    An enquiry was made about the carbon footprint of the strategy before and after implementation.

·    An enquiry was about whether the Council was satisfied with the number of electric charging points and whether the Council would approach the electricity companies to provide additional ones if required.

·    Some rail station car parks needed enlarging.

·    The ending of one car rail carriages was welcomed.

·    Sunday rail services to Lincoln needed to be improved.

·    Motorists needed to be persuaded to car share and an enquiry was made about how the strategy could help in this area.

Officers stated that consultation would continue with all stakeholders; agreed that there was a need to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% each year; that the Strategy Board comprised the Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, the Leader of the County Council's Labour Group, Councillor R B Parker, and all Executive Councillors with highway interests from each of the Councils.

Officers stated that they would provide written responses to the other questions asked by members.

RESOLVED

(a)  That the comments made by members be noted and that officers respond to questions asked by members through the Scrutiny Officer, who would relate the responses to members.

(b)  That the recommendation to the Executive at its meeting on 7 April 2020, detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, be supported.