The Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee met on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, to discuss dockless cycle hire operators, the Cool Streets and Greening programme, and improvements to Fenchurch Street. Key decisions included the approval of revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with dockless cycle hire operators, allowing for the addition of a third operator, Voi, and the agreement to ringfence funding for the Cool Streets and Greening programme to ensure project completion.

Dockless Cycle Hire Operators

The committee approved revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with dockless cycle hire operators, which will introduce stronger controls and accountability. This includes increased financial contributions from operators, estimated to generate over £450,000 per year, and a new penalty regime for issues such as exceeding parking allocations and poor parking compliance. The committee also voted to allow a third operator, Voi, to operate in the Square Mile alongside existing operators Lime and Forest, a decision supported by five members against two. This move is intended to increase user choice, drive competition, and provide resilience in the market. Concerns were raised about the potential for a third operator to exacerbate existing issues with parking demand outstripping supply, but the revised MoU includes measures to mitigate these impacts.

Cool Streets and Greening Programme Update

The committee received an update on the Cool Streets and Greening programme, which aims to make the Square Mile more resilient to climate change. The programme has completed the majority of its over 40 projects and is entering its final phase. Members agreed to ringfence remaining funds beyond March 2027 to ensure that projects not yet completed can be finished with funding certainty. They also approved the reallocation of £374,000 to other projects within the programme to maximise benefits, including reinstating the Playhouse Yard project. The committee noted that a bid for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding is planned for 2027 to continue the programme's success.

Fenchurch Street Improvements Project

The committee approved the initiation of the Fenchurch Street Improvements project, which is part of the Fenchurch Street Area Healthy Streets Plan. A budget of £370,000 was approved to complete the detailed design and stakeholder engagement. The project aims to widen pavements, improve accessibility, and introduce greening and seating along Fenchurch Street, accommodating increased footfall from nearby developments. The overall project cost is estimated to be between £6-8 million, with future construction expected to be funded through a combination of developer Section 278 agreements and bids for CIL or On-Street Parking Reserve funding.

Policy and Projects Delegated Decisions

The committee noted a report summarising delegated decisions made by officers between May and June 2026 concerning Transport and Public Realm projects. These included decisions on the 10 King William Street S278 project, the pausing of the Lombard Street improvements, and the initiation of works for the Middlesex Street Eastern Base Highway Works project.

Outstanding References

The committee received an update on outstanding references. For the King William Street parapet, officers advised that TfL has funding for detailed design this year, but funding for the work itself is still to be confirmed. The issue of the bus stop's location, which obstructs pedestrians, will be raised with TfL. Regarding Bank Junction, the experimental traffic order allowing taxi access across the junction is in progress, with public consultation closed and a report planned for the Planning and Transportation Committee in November.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Sub Committee

Alderman Alison Gowman CBE raised concerns about the City of London's performance on the Healthy Streets scorecard, noting areas where scores were low, including schools travel for life, cycling casualties, and active travel for walking and cycling. Officers explained that the low scores in some areas are due to the City's unique demographics, with a low resident population and a high number of commuters, which affects how trip rates and collision data are calculated.

Councillor John Ernest Edwards asked for a review of the charging structure for electricity supply at Old Gate Square for community events, suggesting a scaled charge for simpler installations. Ian Hughes, Executive Director, acknowledged the need to recover costs but agreed to look into a more granular charging approach.

Councillor Deborah Oliver TD asked about the policy framework for discussions with TfL and other boroughs regarding the regulation of e-bike operators and how the City influences national policy on cycling safety. Officers explained that the City's transport strategy provides the policy framework and that they would engage in public consultations on secondary legislation and national policy discussions.

Councillor Tim Butcher raised a point about the painting of a cycle lane and loading bay on St Martin's Lane, noting a potential conflict where a large lorry delivering to the pub could block the cycle lane, creating a hazard. Officers acknowledged this was a compromise due to space constraints and stated they would monitor accident rates.

Councillor Barbara Mary Ellen Davies asked about the possibility of arranging a meeting with the National Federation of the Blind UK to discuss floating bus stops, as they believe data provided by Active Travel England is incorrect. The Chair noted that while organisations can arrange meetings with members, the Corporation must ensure fairness and equal airtime for all affected parties.

Councillor Deborah Oliver TD also raised two policy questions regarding the MOU discussion paper, specifically about the agreed policy framework for discussions with TfL and other boroughs on influencing e-bike operator legislation, and how the City influences national policy on cycling safety. Officers confirmed the transport strategy provides the policy framework and that the City would engage in relevant consultations.