The CPH Environment and Infrastructure Decision Session of Solihull Council on Monday 10 June 2024, covered several key topics, including the approval of a new pedestrian crossing, updates on highway management, school crossing patrols, and street lighting improvements. The session also addressed various petitions from residents concerning local infrastructure issues.

Pedestrian Crossing on Green Lane

Councillor Prish Sharma advocated for the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Green Lane, Solihull Lodge, citing safety concerns for residents and the high traffic volume. The council approved the recommendation to reallocate the crossing to this location, replacing the initially proposed site on Barn Lane due to structural constraints.

Highway Management Update

Paul Toby provided an update on the highway management functions within the portfolio. Key themes included smoother journeys, stopping unfair enforcement, easier parking, cracking down on inconsiderate driving, and transitioning to zero-emission driving. The council noted the disappointing delay in receiving designated powers for moving traffic contraventions, now expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

The update also included a review of the Westminster key route network, with recommendations to add new roads to the network, such as March Lake Road and Blossomfield Road corridor, to improve connectivity and public transport access.

School Crossing Patrols

The council discussed the performance and future of the school crossing patrol service. While over half a million children use these services annually, the council aims to replace patrols with fixed crossing facilities where possible. Two sites, Greenlands Road and Blackford Road, were recommended for disestablishment due to decreased demand.

Street Lighting Improvements

An update on street lighting highlighted significant maintenance work, including the replacement of over 1,300 lamp columns and the installation of a central management system to improve fault response times. The council also noted the successful recovery of costs from insurers for damaged assets.

Petitions

The session addressed several petitions from residents:

• Bickenhill Road, Marston Green: The council recommended installing bollards to prevent parking on grass verges and referred the issue to the traffic regulation order (TRO) priorities system.
• Grove Road, Grove Avenue: The council will proceed with a prohibition of driving order to address hospital staff parking issues.
• Pinfold Road: The council will monitor parking issues related to ongoing building works and consider future restrictions.
• Parkfield Drive Estate, Castle Bromwich: The council referred the rerouting of the 96 bus route to Transport West Midlands for further investigation.
• Jersey Croft: The council is in discussions with Solihull Community Housing to address parking congestion.
• Blackford Road, Shirley: The council will monitor traffic and HGV usage as part of the local cycling and walking improvement plan (LCWIP).
• Nethercote Gardens and Peterbrook Road: The council is working with BRSK to minimize the impact of new telegraph poles for broadband installation.
• Stoney Road: The council will consider residents' feedback on parking restrictions near Langley Infant School through the TRO process.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.