The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026. Key items discussed included the extension of highways term maintenance contracts and the award of new e-bike hire concession contracts. The committee also noted petitions regarding parking on Grove Road and a pedestrian crossing on Thornton Road, and considered the Sutton Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Plan.

Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee: Policy and Strategy Overview

The committee received an overview of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee's role and responsibilities, including key developments, policy context, financial overview, progress on the corporate plan, and strategic risks. Spencer Palmer, Strategic Director for Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, outlined the committee's oversight of services such as parks, waste, environmental health, parking, transport, highways maintenance, and wellbeing services. Key developments highlighted included action on climate change, the development of a new environment strategy, lobbying for better public transport, road safety initiatives, the implementation of a new parking contract, and the move towards the national parking platform. The committee noted the role and remit of the committee as set out in the report.

E-bike Contract Award

The committee considered the outcome of a competitive tender process for e-bike hire services. The existing contract with Forest, which covers Sutton and Kingston-upon-Thames, was extended until September 2026. The new procurement aimed to ensure continued service provision and stronger management of e-bike operations. Significant improvements in the new contracts include rider liability insurance, funding for parking bays, more automated notifications for incorrectly parked bikes, and speed restrictions in specified areas. The committee noted and endorsed the award of the e-bike hire concession contract to two suppliers, named in the exempt appendix B of the report, for a three-year period from 6 September 2026, with a possible extension of a further two years. Councillor Isabel Araujo declared an abstention on this item.

Highways Term Maintenance Contracts Extension

Approval was sought to extend three existing highway and transport service contracts with RJ Dance and FM Conway for a further three years, securing these services until 2030. The report highlighted that these contractors had consistently achieved 100% on contracted key performance indicators for both emergency and planned works since 2020. The extension negotiations secured stricter performance targets, including final invoices falling within 10% of original cost estimates, and strong social value and environmental commitments, such as provision for local apprenticeships and the use of low-carbon asphalt with 90% recycled content. The committee approved the extension of these contracts.

Sutton Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Plan

The committee was asked to adopt the Sutton Town Centre Public Realm and Placemaking Plan as the council's strategic framework for future public realm investment. Luan Bautista Hideo, the council's Climate Management Manager, presented the plan, which aims to create a greener, safer, more inclusive, and vibrant town centre. The plan is based on extensive community engagement and identifies priorities such as safer streets, increased planting and trees, clear movement routes, and durable materials. The estimated total value of the full plan is between £19 to £29 million, with an initial budget of £1.3 million allocated for demonstrator projects and scoping. The committee adopted the plan as the council's strategic framework.

Report on Petition to Extend Controlled Parking Hours on Grove Road (SM1) near Sutton High to 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Monday to Friday

The committee received a petition signed by 56 residents requesting an extension of controlled parking hours on Grove Road to 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The petition highlighted parking pressures caused by Sutton High School, leading to difficulties for residents finding parking after 6:30 PM. The report noted that an extension of controls might not fully resolve the issues and that the earliest a review could commence was September 2026. The committee noted the petition and approved a review of the current parking arrangements, giving due consideration to the request. Councillor Goetheff declared an interest in this item due to playing badminton on Grove Road, but was permitted to stay in the discussion.

Report on Petition for a Pedestrian/Zebra Crossing in Thornton Road

A petition signed by 73 residents requesting a zebra or pedestrian crossing on Thornton Road, between Waltham Road and Tewkesbury Road, was presented. The petition highlighted safety concerns for children and parents travelling to Tweeddale Primary School. An initial assessment indicated potential challenges with installing a crossing due to existing kerbside demands, such as a bus stop and footway parking. The committee noted the petition and agreed that a feasibility investigation would be carried out, with the findings to be reported back to the lead petitioner.

Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee: Policy and Strategy Overview

The committee received an update on key developments across the areas for which the committee is responsible. Spencer Palmer, Strategic Director for Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, provided context on the committee's role in delivering the council's corporate plan and medium-term financial strategy. Key areas of focus included action on climate change, the development of a new environment strategy, improvements to public transport and cycling infrastructure, road safety, and the implementation of new parking contracts. The committee noted the role and remit of the committee as set out in the report.