The Transport and Air Quality Committee met on Monday 02 February 2026, discussing a range of issues including traffic speeds on Church Road, the Directorate's budget for 2026/27, highway maintenance programmes, and the expansion of cycle parking facilities. Key decisions included approving the proposed budget and fees for the upcoming financial year, noting an underspend in the Q3 monitoring report, and agreeing to proceed with highway maintenance programmes. The committee also approved the consultation for additional bike hangars and the waiving of car club permit fees until April 2027, alongside plans to repurpose vacant car club bays. Furthermore, the permanent implementation of two School Streets and updates on future School Street initiatives were discussed and approved.

Traffic Speeds and Safety on Church Road, Ham

Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about traffic speeds and safety on Church Road, highlighting instances of drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit. She described a lack of adequate footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto the road, and recounted an incident where a mother using a cargo bike with her children experienced aggressive driving. Councillor Frieze has been advocating for improvements, including a proper footpath, since 2014, but has faced challenges due to the road's common land status. While acknowledging that traffic data did not meet the council's threshold for intervention, officers agreed to investigate additional measures. These include improved signage warning motorists of pedestrians using the carriageway, reminders of the 20mph limit, and signage regarding the unsuitable nature of the road for High Emission Vehicles (HEVs). In the longer term, the provision of a footway is considered the most impactful solution, though this would require a petition to demonstrate resident desire and significant capital investment.

Directorate Budget Report 2026/27 and Fees and Charges

The committee reviewed the proposed Directorate Budget for 2026/27, which includes an overall increase of £474,000 due to inflation, primarily affecting contract inflation and staffing pay awards. A significant efficiency saving of £300,000 has been identified from the ongoing LED street lighting replacement programme, which has reduced energy consumption by over 60%. Additional savings of £144,000 are expected from other efficiency measures within the Transport and Air Quality Committee's services.

Regarding fees and charges, the council has decided to largely index most charges by the August 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.8%. Parking charges, which are typically deferred until July, will also see an inflationary increase. The report noted that the base rate for Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) was increased in April 2025 following a London Councils review, as the previous rates, unchanged since 2011/2007, were not considered a sufficient deterrent. The council anticipates an increase in PCN income as a result.

Councillor Frieze raised a concern about the pricing structure for electric vehicle (EV) charging cable channels, which at £1,400 for a three-year licence, is nearly double the cost of constructing a footway crossover. David Tidley, Head of Transport Strategy, clarified that government grants are available to offset the cost of EV cable gullies, meaning the resident's actual cost will be lower than the council's charge.

Councillor James Chard, Vice-Chair of the Transport & Air Quality Committee, questioned the lack of clear revenue figures for individual charges in the appendix, making it difficult to assess their financial significance. Alex Moylan, Assistant Director of Finance and Performance, acknowledged this challenge, stating that the paper focuses on an across-the-board CPI increase and specific adjustments, rather than a strategic review of all prices.

Councillor Carey Bishop suggested an increase in skip licence fees, noting they have not been raised for five years and are significantly lower than those in neighbouring boroughs. Alex Moylan explained that the fee has been held to encourage compliance, as the penalty for not obtaining a licence has also remained unchanged. However, the committee agreed to review this as part of future proposals.

Q3 Quarterly Monitoring Report 2025/26

The committee noted an projected underspend of £411,000 for the current financial year. This underspend is primarily attributed to two areas: a £243,000 underspend within the parking policy line, due to higher-than-anticipated penalty charge notice income and overall car park income, and savings in utility costs for street lighting resulting from the ongoing LED replacement programme.

Councillor Chard inquired about the reasons for the £793,000 underspend in the committed capital programme. Alex Moylan explained that this is largely due to new budget contributions from the development pool and the phasing of some projects into the next financial year, rather than significant cost efficiencies.

A public question from Gary Evans regarding parking income from Taylor Close car park was answered, with total income for the first three quarters of 2025/26 reported as £28,157, split between pay and display/Ringo charges (£26,934) and season ticket income (£1,223).

Highway Maintenance Programme for 2026/27

The committee approved the Council's Planned Highway Maintenance Programmes for 2026/27, which includes significant investment in both carriageways and footways. Nick O'Donnell, Director of Highways Operations and Street Scene, highlighted that additional funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) will allow for an increased delivery level, potentially the highest in recent memory.

Councillor Frieze inquired about the opportunity to improve cycle lanes when roads are resurfaced. Nick O'Donnell confirmed that while not always possible to make significant improvements due to cost and the need for traffic orders, officers do reconsider the optimisation of road markings where space allows.

Councillor Chard praised the officers' work on the programme, noting the increased number of roads on the list and the positive direction of travel in improving road conditions after years of underinvestment. He also thanked Afe Tesfay, a key officer involved in the programme, and all ward councillors for their engagement. Councillor Gareth Richards, Cycling Champion, also commended the quality of the schemes, noting their ambition and the benefits they bring in reducing traffic and rat-running.

The committee also noted the list of reserve schemes that could be brought forward if additional funding becomes available.

Bikehangar and Cycle Parking Update

The committee noted the update on the borough's cycle parking programme and approved the consultation for up to 40 additional on-street bikehangars, including those for cargo bikes. Margot Turner, Principal Transport Planner, reported that there are currently 104 bikehangars installed, with 78 of the older units fully occupied and 1,256 people on waiting lists. The demand is particularly high in wards like South Richmond, Twickenham Riverside, St Margarets & North Twickenham, and Mortlake & Barnes Common.

The proposed new bikehangars will be subject to consultation, with minor amendments to locations possible based on feedback. Councillor Frieze expressed pleasure at the progress of bikehangars, including those for cargo bikes, but requested more detail on pavement cycling and parking in specific town centres. Councillor Carey Bishop inquired about the list of proposed locations, which is still being finalised and subject to ward councillor feedback and coordination with other council teams.

Councillor Butler raised concerns about the potential for losing bikehangar locations due to objections, and the consultation process. Margot Turner explained that the consultation typically involves sending letters to residents within eyesight of the proposed location, with an average of around 50 letters per location, and that minor adjustments are made to avoid issues like access for refuse vehicles or disabled residents.

The committee also discussed the potential for using vacant retail premises for cycle parking, and the challenges of dynamic pricing for parking charges, particularly in areas like Richmond Town Centre.

Car Club Developments

The committee noted the significant reduction in car club provision following Zipcar's withdrawal from the UK market and approved actions to encourage other accredited operators to occupy the vacant bays. This includes drafting a new Service Level Agreement and waiving car club parking permit prices until April 2027. Andy Flood, Principal Transport Planner, reported that Enterprise Car Club is already looking to introduce four vehicles within the next few weeks, and discussions are ongoing with other operators like Co-wheels and Hire Car.

The committee also agreed to delegate authority to repurpose car club bays that remain unoccupied by the end of summer 2026 to other uses, such as cargo bike parking, e-bike/e-scooter bays, bikehangars, non-accredited car sharing schemes, EV charging, or resident parking, following consultation with ward councillors. Councillor Fleming inquired about Waymo's potential involvement, but officers were not aware of any direct approach. Councillor Frieze asked for clarification on the difference between accredited and non-accredited car sharing schemes, with David Tidley explaining that accredited schemes adhere to standards set by CoMoUK, while non-accredited schemes, like Yogo, do not.

Councillor Chard supported the decision to waive fees, noting that it has already generated interest from potential providers. He also raised the point that EV charging infrastructure on the public highway could be a material consideration for car club providers.

Richmond School Streets Update

The committee approved the making permanent of the St James Catholic Primary School Street and an amended operation time for the Sheen Mount Primary School Street. David Tidley, Head of Transport Strategy, provided updates on Phases 5 and 6 of the School Streets programme.

For St James Catholic Primary School, the trial showed a 26% reduction in vehicle movements during operational hours, with a 3% increase in parking in surrounding streets. Despite the school's initial lack of support, 69% of consultation responses favoured making the scheme permanent. The committee approved making the scheme permanent as it currently stands.

At Sheen Mount Primary School, the trial resulted in a 3.5% increase in walking to school and a 2% transfer to park and stride. The school supported making the scheme permanent and extending the operational hours to accommodate after-school clubs. The committee approved an amended operation time of 8:15 to 9:15 am and 3:00 to 4:45 pm, with a further 6-month consultation to follow.

Updates were also provided on Phase 5 School Streets at Broomfield House School, Barnes Primary School, and Nelson Primary School, with trials planned after February half term 2026. Phase 6 will see extensions to existing School Streets at St Mary's CE Primary/Copella House and Orleans Primary School, with pre-trial consultations currently underway.

The committee also noted the progress on enhancing existing School Streets with red surface treatment and pencil bollards, with upgrades now completed at all permanent School Streets.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, noting that the A310 cycle improvement paper is scheduled for February, and the e-bike procurement exercise and Transport Strategy 2040 are expected to be considered in March. The implications of Zipcar's withdrawal from London and potential alternative uses for their bays were also discussed as a potential future agenda item. The committee agreed to note the current work programme.