The Scrutiny Streets, Environment & Homes Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 20 February 2018 to discuss the work of the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment. Key topics included the progress of the 20mph zone rollout, air quality initiatives, the cycle strategy, and street lighting improvements. The committee also reviewed challenges and future priorities within the transport and environment portfolio.

Cabinet Member Question Time

Councillor Stuart King, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, presented an overview of his department's successes, challenges, and priorities.

Successes highlighted included the near-complete rollout of the 20mph zone programme, with four out of five planned areas successfully implemented and the final one scheduled for March 12th. Significant progress was also noted in air quality control, following a summit in June 2017 that led to a five-year action plan integrating services like Public Health. The council's Cycle Strategy, which sets out plans for the next five years, was approved by Cabinet in January 2018 after pre-policy scrutiny. The Play Street initiative, which encourages schools to participate in healthy travel programmes, was deemed successful, with Love Lane being recognised as street of the year for two consecutive years. In terms of street lighting, an investment programme had resulted in the replacement of 38,300 street lights and 8,400 illuminated signs. Furthermore, 72 schools had signed up for the Sustainable Travel Accreditation Recognition for Schools (STARS) programme. A tree planting programme aims to see 3,500 trees planted over the next year, with priority given to areas with poor air quality. The council also successfully lobbied the Department for Transport (DFT) for funding for the Brighton Mainline Upgrade.

Challenges identified by Councillor King included ongoing safety concerns around schools, with pilots of car restrictions during school hours being assessed. Work with Transport for London (TfL) on the Cycle Strategy continues, and the Controlled Parking service has faced issues due to a high volume of applications, requiring additional resources. Highway maintenance is expected to be challenging due to a two-year funding reduction period. Construction logistics in central Croydon require careful management to ensure safety and business continuity. Finally, rail infrastructure, particularly concerning the Brighton Mainline Upgrade and Southern Rail, continues to present challenges to Croydon's growth objectives.

Priorities for the Cabinet Member include delivering actions under the Growth Zone, the tree planting programme, increasing electric vehicle charging zones, implementing the cycle strategy, enforcing 20mph zones, and completing the Blackhorse Lane Bridge development in conjunction with TfL.

During the discussion, members raised concerns about potholes, with Councillor Sean Fitzsimons emphasizing the need for proper repairs given the borough's cycling strategy. Officers responded that plans are in place for highway maintenance, including frequent safety inspections and a contractual requirement for rigorous road inspection and permanent pothole repairs. A planned programme of repairs, informed by road condition scanners, is underway, with nearly 70% of works to date being preventative. An app for reporting potholes and ongoing work to integrate highway systems were also mentioned.

Regarding air quality, Councillor King stated that five monitoring kits are strategically placed across the borough, which is considered sufficient for data collection. The potential for Croydon schools to use air quality monitoring kits, similar to those provided by the Mayor of London to 400 schools, was also considered. Supplementary planning guidance is being developed to ensure air quality objectives are incorporated into planning applications.

On the topic of wood-burning stoves, officers explained that a full ban is not feasible due to the prevalence of reduced-emission stoves. Efforts are focused on informing and encouraging residents about appropriate fuel usage.

Phase one of the joint programme with TfL on the Blackhorse Lane development has been completed, with the bridge currently accessible to pedestrians. The full completion of this work is anticipated by January 2019.

Changes to the crossover policy over the past year were discussed, including enhanced information for residents and restrictions on the number of crossover applications granted. Enforcement of breaches was noted as a difficult and lengthy process.

Members congratulated the tree planting efforts and inquired about encouraging residents to nurture the new trees. Councillors were encouraged to play a role in their wards, and signage will be placed alongside trees to promote community involvement. Most trees are being planted in previously treed vacant lots to minimise resident objections, with officers handling objections on a case-by-case basis for new locations.

Regarding charging points, the majority will be for overnight charging, with two rapid charge points planned for the A23. The implementation of multiple vehicle charging points at individual sites is complex, and work is ongoing to identify suitable locations. A proportion of charging points will be designated for disabled badge holders.

Concerns were raised about the monitoring and enforcement of 20mph zones, with acknowledged difficulties in achieving compliance. Councillor King noted that enforcement powers are limited, and the council will collaborate with the police. Interventions such as crossings and speed vials are in place, and lobbying for speed cameras in 20mph zones will continue.

The Sub-Committee expressed pleasure at the number of schools signed up for the STARS programme and requested a circulation of this information to members. The pilot of pedestrian-only zones at some schools, restricting car access during school runs with exemptions for disabled individuals, is scheduled to conclude in March 2018, with an assessment of its viability for wider implementation.

In response to queries about the Cycle Strategy's next steps and success measurement, officers indicated that target indicators are in place and will be updated annually. The immediate focus is on delivering the proposed cycle network, with a commitment to making roads safe for cyclists through measures like greenways and quiet ways.

Regarding public realm issues, the use of LED street lighting was deemed not currently viable for Croydon, though other options are being explored. Discussions are also underway regarding the introduction of public water dispensers and fountains in the town centre.

The Sub-Committee concluded with several action points: circulating information on schools with up-to-date travel plans, considering the walking buses initiative, providing further information on electric charging points for disabled cars, exploring the provision of air quality monitoring equipment for schools, and circulating a revised Cross-Over policy/briefing to members.

Work Programme

The Sub-Committee noted the work programme for the remainder of the 2017/2018 municipal year.