The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee met on 9 January 2025 to discuss and approve several key programmes and policies. Decisions were made regarding highways and transport programmes for the upcoming years, a review and update of waste policies, and the award of a new contract for parking enforcement and operations.

Highways and Transport Programmes 2025/2026

The committee approved the Planned Maintenance Programme for 2025/2026, which includes resurfacing works on various roads across the borough. A significant decision was made to approve the completion of the Street Lighting LED Upgrade Programme with an additional cost of £1,850,000, subject to further approval by the Council's Strategy and Resources Committee. This upgrade is essential for achieving energy savings and ensuring public safety.

Furthermore, the committee approved the three-year Local Implementation Plan (LIP) programme for 2025/2026 to 2027/2028 for submission to Transport for London (TfL). This includes specific project bids for Bus Priority, Cycle Network Development, Borough Safer Streets, and the Better Bus Partnership. The principle of a strategic cycle route from Mitcham to Wallington via Hackbridge was also approved, with route recommendations to be finalised after engagement with ward councillors. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Chair, to make any necessary future adjustments to these programmes.

The Highways and Transport Programmes 2025/2026 report details the council's commitment to maintaining its highway network, which has a gross replacement value of £877 million. The planned maintenance programme will focus on carriageway and footway repairs, prioritising those in the worst condition. The street lighting programme aims to convert all street lights to LEDs and replace concrete columns, a project that has faced cost increases due to inflation and the future-proofing of assets for electric vehicle charging points. The TfL-funded schemes are designed to improve road safety, encourage active travel, and enhance the local environment, aligning with the council's Ambitious for Sutton priorities and the Mayor's Transport Strategy.

Waste Policies Review and Update

The committee approved the revised 2025 Waste and Recycling Policies. These updates are in preparation for a new waste contract commencing in April 2025 with Veolia Environmental Services, which will bring enhancements to services and some changes for residents. The policies have been reviewed to reflect the new contract and ensure the council continues to meet its ambitions for waste reduction, circular economy principles, and a net-zero carbon future.

The revised policies include updates to the Waste Charter, standard container policy (including charging for replacements), exceptions policy, access policy, and policies for flats and communal properties. New policies have been added for additional waste services, household clinical waste, household hazardous waste, protecting local environmental quality, street litter bin placement and removal, and the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC). A Social Value Policy has also been incorporated to ensure the council maximises added social value and enhances community quality of life through its waste services. The review process included benchmarking against other boroughs and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) to ensure accessibility and fairness for all residents.

Contract Award - Parking Enforcement and Operations

The committee approved the appointment of Bidder A as the preferred bidder for the Parking Enforcement & Operations Contract for a period of five years, with an option to extend for a further five years. This decision follows an open tender process and aims to ensure the continued delivery of fair and transparent enforcement of parking and moving traffic contraventions across the borough. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods to issue a Letter of Intent and enter into the contract.

It was noted that Councillors James McDermott-Hill, Tony Shields, Steve Alvarez, and Nick Mattey voted against these recommendations. The new contract will introduce an improved permit processing system, enabling virtual parking permits and reducing reliance on paper. Resident parking permit processing and Penalty Charge Notice appeal handling will be brought back in-house to improve efficiency and quality. The contract also includes a focus on sustainable transport for Civil Enforcement Officers to reduce environmental impact and support the council's Net Zero ambitions. Assistance will be provided for customers who may face barriers accessing online services, with manual processes remaining in place.