The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee met on 8 January 2026, adopting a revised policy for dealing with abandoned vehicles and receiving an update on the Sutton Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Programme. The committee also discussed the planned maintenance programme for highways and transport works for the upcoming year.

Review of the Abandoned Vehicle Policy

The committee adopted a revised policy on abandoned vehicles, which will be implemented from 1 April 2026. This updated policy removes the previous criterion where the value of a vehicle was a significant factor in determining its removal. The number of reports of abandoned vehicles has more than doubled since the current policy was agreed in 2017, with an average of 167 reports per month. The revised policy aims to provide a more holistic approach to identifying and removing abandoned vehicles, including non-motorised vehicles such as trailers and caravans. Vehicles seized will be either stored, sent to a treatment facility, or offered for sale.

During the discussion, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked about the benefits of a procurement with a removal specialist, to which David Kingston explained that a new contract would provide updated performance indicators, allow for contractual binding of service standards with penalties for non-compliance, and introduce the concept of storing vehicles for different disposal methods. Councillor Trish Fivey, Chair of the Licensing Committee, inquired if the removal companies would provide income from the sale of parts or scrap metal. It was clarified that while the contractor would recover costs from scrap metal or parts, the council would not receive income, but the removal cost would likely be lower. Councillor Andrew Jenner raised concerns about untaxed vehicles that were still claimed by owners, and how the new policy would address these. David Kingston explained that while the council cannot remove a taxed and owned vehicle, the new policy provides a broader opportunity to deal with such vehicles. Councillor Tony Shields questioned the number of vehicles reported monthly and whether this was factored into contract bids. It was clarified that approximately 5% of reports, averaging eight vehicles a month, currently lead to removal, but the new policy allows for more vehicles to be dealt with. Concerns were also raised about the potential for vehicles to be stored, incurring costs, and the process for appeals. David Kingston confirmed that registered keepers would be liable for removal and storage costs if a vehicle is claimed after being removed. The committee agreed to a minor amendment to the policy wording regarding registered keepers and vehicles on the public highway. The revised policy was unanimously agreed for implementation from 1 April 2026.

Sutton Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Programme Update

An update was provided on the development of Sutton's Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Masterplan, including initial findings from community engagement. The masterplan aims to create a greener, safer, better-connected, and culturally vibrant town centre, reflecting the aspirations of residents and local businesses. Key opportunities identified include enhancing green spaces, reinventing Trinity Square, strengthening the evening economy, improving safety and lighting on the High Street, and making the town centre more inclusive. Challenges include balancing pedestrian priority with cycling and delivery activity, ensuring long-term maintenance of green features, addressing anti-social behaviour, and bridging the perceived north-south divide in the High Street.

The report outlined proposed interventions for a demonstrator project in the southern section of the pedestrianised High Street. Councillor Luke Taylor raised concerns about the conflict between pedestrian priority and the needs of cyclists and delivery bikes, particularly in relation to the town centre gyratory system. Luan Baptista Ribeiro, the report author, explained that the gyratory and High Street are being considered as a single, interconnected system to ensure effective outcomes for all modes of transport. Councillor Steve Alvarez questioned the evidence for e-bikes being considered active travel and the safety implications of their use on pavements. It was clarified that the council is not in favour of illegal e-bikes and that the current engagement process is designed to gather information and explore solutions. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked if the demonstrator project would use a similar engagement process to the masterplan, which was confirmed. Councillor Nick Mattey requested a study to gather data on e-bike usage in the High Street, and it was stated that evidence-based data, including camera footage and surveys, has already been collected. Concerns were raised about the potential for disabled bays to be repurposed for bikes, and it was assured that disabled parking would be maintained. Councillor Tony Shields questioned the funding for the demonstrator project and the overall masterplan, expressing concern about borrowing money. Spencer Palmer, Strategic Director, explained that capital funding is already allocated and that the masterplan will help attract future private investment. The committee noted the outcomes of the engagement and approved the development of the demonstrator project.

Highways and Transport Works Planned Maintenance Programme 2026/27

The committee received a report detailing the planned maintenance works programme for the 2026/2027 financial year. The report outlined the council's highway network, including roads and footways, and the methods used for surveying and prioritising maintenance. It detailed the proposed programme for carriageway and footway resurfacing, with a focus on carriageway repairs to maximise budget efficiency. The report also highlighted the communication strategy for informing residents and businesses about upcoming works. The recommendations were to agree the highway planned maintenance programmes for 2026/27 and to delegate authority for in-year changes to the Strategic Director. The report also detailed the financial implications, including capital budget allocations and funding from the Department for Transport. The committee was informed of the legal duty of the council as the Highway Authority and the potential risks associated with inadequate maintenance.