The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 14 February 2022, approving plans for traffic reduction measures in Hampton Hill and making cycle lanes on Kew Road permanent. The committee also approved the programme of planned highway works for 2022/23 and the Directorate Budget Report for the same period.

Burtons Road Area, Hampton Hill - Traffic Reduction Measures

The committee approved a new experimental traffic scheme for the Burtons Road area in Hampton Hill, designed to reduce traffic and mitigate displacement effects. The existing scheme will continue until 20 March 2022 and will be replaced by new restrictions implemented under an Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO). This new scheme will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to remove non-residential traffic while maintaining access for local residents. A formal consultation period will take place during the first six months of operation, with residents invited to make final representations afterwards. The committee also approved the proposed exemption area for residents and minor safety intervention measures for Windmill Road, subject to further consultation.

During the discussion, several residents and ward councillors raised concerns. Jo Stead highlighted safety issues on Links View Road, suggesting a raised crossing and a mirror to address a blind corner. Kay Clark argued that the council's Traffic Management Policy was being misapplied and called for greater transparency regarding traffic data. Edward Lang stated that the original proposal and current trial had been opposed by the wider community, viewing it as unfair and disproportionate, and presented a petition with 1378 objections. Paul Luton from Cycling UK and Richmond Cycling Campaign welcomed the scheme but questioned the exemption arrangements, advocating for a modal shift to active travel. Art Gelling, however, presented data suggesting that sat-nav systems had increased traffic on unclassified roads, creating dangerous conditions, and viewed the amended scheme as a positive response. Councillor Samuel expressed hostility from his constituents in Hampton North ward, feeling that priority had been given to Burtons Road residents at the expense of others. Councillor Cardy supported the new proposal as an improvement, noting it would allow pupils to cycle to Turing House school and welcomed the exemptions.

The committee debated the application of the Traffic Management Policy, with the Chair confirming that traffic volumes on Burtons Road exceeded the trigger levels. An amendment was carried to maintain the existing right turn restriction from Albert Road into Park Road from Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm.

Kew Road Phase 1 Cycle Scheme - Review of Experimental Traffic Order

The committee voted to make permanent the experimental traffic orders for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Kew Road cycle lane schemes. The report indicated a significant uptake in cycle lane usage, with a 550% increase in users. Tim Lennon from Richmond Cycling Campaign (RCC) welcomed the scheme, highlighting its benefits for visitors to Kew Gardens and advocating for better connections to Kew Bridge and improved cycle parking.

During the discussion, members noted the positive reception from residents surveyed, with 58% supporting the measures. The committee agreed to further work on developing a cycle facility on Kew Road north of Stanmore Road, subject to funding, and to review the Jocelyn Road crossing. They also agreed to explore a more aesthetically pleasing scheme, potentially a stepped track, and to continue discussions with Transport for London (TfL) regarding improvements to the egress onto Kew Road from Kew Green. A review of parking zones KA/KB and N was also agreed in response to visitor parking and parking bay removal on Kew Road. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on local businesses and the lack of a coach or taxi drop-off point on Kew Road, but officers explained that such provisions would sever the cycling connection.

Programme of Planned Highway Works 2022/23

The committee approved the Council's Planned Highway Maintenance Programme for 2022/23. This programme outlines proposed improvements for footways and carriageways across the borough, primarily based on engineers' assessments of their condition, supplemented by requests within the existing budget. The total investment for the year ahead is £4.5 million. The committee also delegated any subsequent changes to the programme to the Assistant Director of Environment & Community Services (Traffic and Engineering), following consultation.

Directorate Budget Report 2022/23 incl Fees & Charges

The committee approved revisions to fees and charges effective from 1 April 2022 and noted comments on the proposed budget for 2022/23. The report detailed a proposed 3.2% increase in fees and charges, with some exceptions. It also highlighted investment opportunities, such as £100,000 for a streetlight audit and £50,000 for fly-tipping prevention, alongside savings of £100,000 against energy costs. The budget also allowed for an estimated £1 million impact from COVID-19 costs and acknowledged the financial uncertainty from TfL.

Q3 Quarterly Monitoring Report

The committee noted the projected revenue budget underspend of £276,000 for the current financial year, excluding pandemic costs. They also noted the forecast impact of COVID-19 costs and the position on the Capital programme.

Performance Report for Quarter 3 2021-22

The committee noted the Transport and Air Quality performance against Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP) key indicators for Quarter 3 2021/22. They also considered whether any areas of performance should be recommended for inclusion in the Policy and Performance Review Board's workplan.

Ward Concerns

Councillor James Chard raised pedestrian safety on Orleans Road in Twickenham as a ward concern. He highlighted increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to events at Orleans House and the revitalisation of Marble Hill House, as well as issues with pavement parking and traffic speeds. Officers have agreed to install additional advisory signage, and residents are exploring options such as resurfacing to emphasise the shared nature of the road and reducing traffic volumes. Councillor Chard is working with residents to submit a petition, and the Chair indicated that options would be considered once it was received.

Forward Plan

The committee noted the Forward Plan for committee business. The date of the next Transport & Air Quality Committee meeting was moved from Monday 11 April 2022 to Monday 21 March 2022.