The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 27 February 2024, approving revisions to fees and charges, making the Thomson House School Street permanent, and authorising experimental traffic restrictions on North Worple Way. The committee also noted the Q3 budget position and reviewed the Forward Plan.

Directorate Budget Report 2024/25 and Fees and Charges

The committee approved revisions to fees and charges, which will take effect from 1 April 2024, with the exception of parking charges, which will be implemented from 1 July 2024. The proposed budget for 2024/25 was also noted. The report detailed an inflation growth of £811,000, primarily due to pay awards and contractor inflation. Fees and charges are set to minimise indirect subsidies to service users, with an annual uplift of 6.7 per cent for most charges.

Parking charges have been reviewed considering traffic volumes, activity levels, and the council's policies on the climate emergency and air quality. A 10 per cent increase is proposed for most parking charges, with higher increases in areas like Twickenham town centre and adjustments in Hampton Wick to reflect demand. Households with multiple parking permits will see a 100% increase for a second permit and a 200% increase for a third. Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, expressed her inability to support the budget paper due to the retention of 30 minutes of free parking, suggesting the funds could be better utilised elsewhere, such as expanding the Good Move scheme. Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, defended the decision, stating it was an attempt to find a balance and that the proposed budget changes were bold in nature. The committee voted to approve the officer's recommendations, with Councillor Frieze requesting it be noted that she did not vote in favour.

North Worple Way Traffic Study

The committee authorised officers to introduce experimental traffic restrictions on North Worple Way (NWW) in East Sheen, Mortlake, and Barnes Common. These restrictions will prohibit motor vehicles between 7 am and 7 pm, Monday to Sunday, except for permit holders, for westbound traffic near its junction with Avondale Road. The experimental order, implemented under Section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, will allow for amendments based on resident feedback. The decision followed a public consultation where the recommended option received support from residents.

During the discussion, it was noted that an experimental traffic order provides flexibility for monitoring and review. Councillor Frieze questioned whether the proposed scheme was ambitious enough to be considered a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN). Councillor Ehmann clarified that the council focuses on the measure's impact rather than its label, stating that the council intervenes in residential areas where there is demand and a necessity for action. The scheme aims to address issues such as narrow pavements and road width, with the closure of Hammersmith Bridge¹ contributing to traffic congestion in the area.

Thomson House School Street

The committee approved making the Thomson House School Street in East Sheen permanent. An experimental scheme, initially based on signage and volunteer marshals, has seen increased support and a decrease in traffic. Feedback from Thomson House School and ward councillors highlighted the need for improved visibility and potential enforcement. While ANPR cameras² are not proposed at this time, they may be considered later.

Councillor Cambridge, speaking on behalf of East Sheen ward councillors, advocated for ANPR cameras to aid compliance and suggested extending the scheme's boundaries to include Vernon Road and Church Avenue, citing concerns about displaced traffic and residents using Vernon Road as a car park. The Head of Transport Strategy acknowledged that while ANPR cameras are expensive, temporary or roving cameras could be investigated. The committee agreed to look at current traffic data and the hours of operation, and to engage with residents in surrounding streets experiencing displaced traffic.

Parking Enforcement Services

The committee approved the award of a parking enforcement contract to Bidder C for a period of five years, with an optional two-year extension, jointly with the London Borough of Wandsworth. The contract is set to commence on 1 August 2024. The tender process involved a careful assessment of bidders based on price (50%), quality (40%), and social value (10%). The preferred bidder scored lowest on price and highest on quality, indicating best value.

Discussions highlighted the importance of transparency, with a commitment to explore ways to provide committee members with additional briefing in advance of future procurement decisions. Environmental considerations, including the use of electric vehicles, were part of the contract brief. The transition to the new provider will involve a six-month process to ensure a smooth change of service.

Q3 Quarterly Monitoring Report

The committee noted that the projected revenue budget underspend for services within its remit is £658,000, primarily driven by underspends within parking. The report also provided an update on the capital programme.

Forward Plan

The committee noted the Forward Plan, which includes several upcoming items. These include the merging of air quality resourcing into a wider Air Quality Action Plan, proposals for an enhanced Good Move Scheme, and papers on bus service improvements and pedestrian pilot schemes. A review of borough cycling parking facilities and a borough-wide transport engagement exercise are also scheduled.