The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Gloucestershire Council was scheduled to discuss updates on the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership and the development of the Local Transport Plan. Other topics included a progress update on Traffic Regulation Order Task Group recommendations and the Executive Director's report.

Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership. Nick Evans was listed as the responsible officer for this item.

Local Transport Plan

An update on the development of Gloucestershire's Local Transport Plan (LTP) was scheduled to be presented. The current LTP was adopted in 2021 and sets out strategic transport ambitions until 2041. The report indicated a need to review schemes within the LTP to ensure their ongoing relevance for delivering transport, environmental, and growth ambitions. This review is also intended to align the LTP with the national transport strategy, Better Connected: A strategy for integrated transport, and new guidance for developing Local Transport Plans. The update was to inform members about the programme for the LTP's development, with a report on the outcomes of the Issues and Opportunities engagement to be presented to the Environment Scrutiny Committee. Luisa Senft Hayward was listed as the presenting officer.

The draft vision for the updated LTP is A better-connected Gloucestershire where transport supports everyone's needs, our environment flourishes and growth is sustainable. The draft delivery priorities are: A well connected and prosperous Gloucestershire, A Green and Healthy Gloucestershire, and A Gloucestershire which supports local communities.

An Issues and Opportunities engagement was proposed to run for six weeks from mid-May, seeking information on transport challenges and views on the draft vision and delivery priorities. This engagement was to include a member drop-in session, an online questionnaire, public drop-in sessions in all districts, online public drop-in sessions, and stakeholder engagement. The overall programme aims for the completion and adoption of the LTP in early 2027.

The report also detailed draft emerging issues and opportunities across various areas of Gloucestershire, including the Central Severn Vale (CSV), Forest of Dean (CPS2), North Cotswold (CPS3), South Cotswold (CPS4), Stroud (CPS5), and Tewkesbury (CPS6). Key issues identified across these areas include network pressure, highway capacity constraints, poor air quality, limited public transport provision, and barriers to active travel. Opportunities highlighted include improving journey time reliability, supporting housing growth through sustainable transport links, developing emissions reduction pathways, and enhancing interchange hubs.

Traffic Regulation Order Task Group Recommendations

A progress update for the Traffic Regulation Order Task Group recommendations was scheduled to be received. This was listed as an information item.

Executive Director's Report: Economy, Environment & Infrastructure

The committee was to receive the Executive Director's report for Economy, Environment & Infrastructure. This report was to be taken as read, with members allocated 30 minutes to ask questions. Colin Chick was listed as the responsible officer. Discussion points from the report included:

• Climate Mitigation Risks: Members and officers discussed climate mitigation risks as a significant concern, with work being embedded corporately. Contractors are required to declare CO₂ emissions for each contract, and it was noted that 98.35% of the Council's carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions. The council had measured Scope 1 and 2 emissions, achieving a 70% reduction by 2023 against the 2030 target, but Scope 3 had not originally been included. The committee's support for the corporate procurement strategy was discussed, with a suggestion to send a letter from the committee.
• Average Speed Cameras: Questions were raised about the effectiveness of average speed cameras on the A436, including enforcement levels, long-term performance, and collision data. Officers reported positive results and engagement with parish and local members. Enforcement and road safety courses are managed by the Road Safety Partnership and the police, with any surplus reinvested. Jason Humm was to find updated statistics on average speed cameras and share a list of the highest-risk roads.
• Minerals and Waste Plan: Members inquired about the timescale for the Minerals and Waste Plan and any mention of the impact of quarrying. David Owen was to provide the timescale.
• Environmental Waste: A member mentioned a ruling regarding the disposal of chicken feces being regarded as environmental waste and requested officers give this due consideration in the review of the Minerals and Waste Plan. David Owen was to raise this with the relevant team.
• Highways Maintenance: Concerns were raised about maintenance contracts and resurfacing statistics, with public reports of road surface defects. Officers explained that recent high rainfall had contributed to increased defects, and the contractor was being held accountable for failed repairs. Internal monitoring metrics are in place, and FixMyStreet usage was noted as helpful. Kath Haworth was to identify how to report data on failed repairs.
• Pothole Repairs: A member suggested a pothole repair has failed category for FixMyStreet. Officers confirmed they were looking into this and mentioned the Pothole Plus scheme for quick fixes of small defects. A site visit for members to understand repair and resurfacing processes was also considered.
• School Crossing Patrol Officers: Safety concerns for School Crossing Patrol Officers due to unsafe driving and low recruitment levels were discussed. Officers confirmed plans to roll out CCTV and trials of stop and go boards with cameras. Jason Humm was to confirm the number of vacancies for School Crossing Patrol Officers.
• Ornithology: Ornithology, the study of birds and their nesting habits in quarrying areas, was mentioned.

Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to review its work plan and suggest items for future meetings. The work plan included themes for upcoming meetings such as Highways and transport, Waste, and Land use/management and strategy. Future meeting themes not yet allocated to specific dates included Road Safety, Climate, Highways, and Planning.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in the Committee Room at Shire Hall, Gloucester.