The Transport Users' Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 23 January 2024 to discuss a range of transport-related issues, including rail performance, Transport for London (TfL) updates, and road maintenance. Key decisions included agreeing to circulate presentations from Southeastern and Network Rail, and to investigate specific road safety concerns raised by the Bexley Youth Council.

Rail Issues

Representatives from Southeastern and Network Rail provided updates on various rail matters. George Paterson from Southeastern reported an improving trend in service performance, with increased gate line hours at Albany Park, Bexley, Bexleyheath, and Falconwood stations due to renewed recruitment. He also confirmed that refunds would be provided for tickets affected by planned strike action on 30 January. Southeastern is considering future timetable changes, subject to Department for Transport (DfT) approval and funding, which could include reinstating the Sidcup rounders service and introducing other new services. Mr. Paterson agreed to feedback on proposed route reinstatements and to share the Bexley Youth Council's suggestions for rerouting mainline trains through Bexley with Southeastern's Train Planning Team.

Harry Stevenson from Network Rail provided an overview of ongoing and planned works. He confirmed that the Access for All project at Bexley station is aiming for completion in April, with slight delays due to power supply works. Erith, Sidcup, and Crayford stations have been earmarked as potential Access for All projects for the 2024-2029 funding cycle, pending DfT announcements. Mr. Stevenson also reported 68 incidents of route crime at stations in the borough, including trespass, antisocial behaviour, and vandalism, and noted that drones are being used in partnership with the British Transport Police (BTP) to enhance security. He shared that £1.25 billion has been invested in Kent's railways between 2019 and 2024, with a further £8 billion allocated to the southern regions for the next five years.

Decisions made included agreeing that George Paterson would send a copy of his presentation to the Clerk for circulation, feedback on reinstated routes, and share Youth Council feedback on rerouting mainline trains. Harry Stevenson would also provide his presentation slides to the Clerk.

Transport for London (TfL) Updates

Rachel Harkes from Transport for London (TfL) provided an update on bus performance, noting that routes 51, 486, 286, 469, and 160 had experienced variable performance due to temporary traffic lights, utility works, and road closures. A new schedule for route 51 was introduced on 30 September to improve reliability. Ms. Harkes confirmed that a fact sheet on the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme would be released shortly and shared with the Sub-Committee. A public consultation on proposals to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead was announced, running from 5 February to 18 March 2024. She also highlighted a new inequalities dashboard on the TfL website, which includes data linking road casualties and deprivation. The recent fare freeze by the Mayor of London until March 2025 was noted as positive news for residents.

Concerns were raised about an increase in injuries to bus passengers, and Ms. Harkes agreed to share general injury data and investigate further if specific bus routes could be identified. The vandalism of ULEZ cameras was discussed, and Ms. Harkes agreed to liaise with TfL colleagues regarding potential camera relocation. The extension of protected cycle lanes was also mentioned, with TfL working with the borough through its Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding.

Decisions made included that Rachel Harkes would share the ULEZ data fact sheet, a link to the DLR extension consultation, and the inequalities data dashboard. She would also provide statistics on bus passenger injuries and liaise with Andrew Bashford regarding ULEZ camera vandalism.

Police Service Update – Road Safety Engineering Unit

PC Matt Fulcher from the Roads and Transport Policing Command provided an update, noting that his responses to questions from the previous meeting had been circulated. He reported no significant changes or emerging concerns in the data. An updated Road Safety Engineering Unit (RSEU) report was circulated by the Clerk.

Councillor Hinkley raised a question about the 50 mph speed limit on Bronze Age Way/Eastern Way, given the presence of bus stops and crossings. Andrew Bashford explained that it remains 50 mph as it is a continuous A-road and that visibility and alignment of bus stops and crossings would have been considered. He stated that enforcing a lower speed limit without specific enforcement measures would be difficult.

The decision was made for the Clerk to circulate the latest RSEU report and for Andrew Bashford to review the speed limit and enforcement at the Bronze Age Way/Eastern Way roundabouts.

Road Issues

Andrew Bashford provided an overview of current road issues, including cycling, road safety, and highways. In 2023, 1,377 children and 490 adults were trained to Bikeability standard. An additional £20,000 in funding has been secured for developing a potential cycle route between Bexleyheath and Erith. One hundred new electric vehicle (EV) charge points are being installed in residential streets, and Bexley has been earmarked for tranche two funding under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme for further residential charge points. Bexley has also secured £450,000 in grant funding from the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

Regarding highway maintenance, 23 roads have been resurfaced since April 2023, with others in progress or programmed. £275,000 will be used to treat potholes under the DfT's capital funding allocation. Bexley is noted as having low levels of road casualties compared to other London boroughs. Pedestrian crossings are being prioritised near schools due to difficulties in recruiting school crossing patrol operatives.

Discussions also covered street works, including the ongoing installation of a new electricity supply to the Cory site on Norman Road, which is expected to take around 18 months to two years. A three-month closure on the southbound carriageway of Bronze Age Way may be required in the summer. Winter maintenance, including gritting, will continue until April.

Concerns were raised about the cycle lane in Albion Road not being used, with suggestions for additional markings and clearer access points. The timeline for resurfacing Sidcup High Street is not yet known, as it is tied to works being undertaken by Thames Water.

Decisions made included that Andrew Bashford would report back on potential income from public EV charge points, liaise with the Communications Team to inform the public about gritting, and report back on issues raised by the Bexley Youth Council concerning road safety outside Cornerstone School, visibility at the junction of Pickford Road and Bristow Road, and drainage issues. The Clerk will incorporate presentations and feedback from partners into the agenda pack, and David Freestone will explore whether Robert Heyward can have a dialogue with the Cycling Project Team before the March presentation.