The Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 29 June 2022, discussing a range of transport-related issues including planning controls for commercial to residential property changes, improvements to Wandsworth Town Station, and the refurbishment of Wandsworth Bridge. The committee also reviewed performance reports and considered various traffic and engineering petitions.

Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Chief Executive's Performance Report, which detailed key issues and performance from the past year. While most key indicators had been met, concerns were raised about a reduction in the percentage of major planning applications determined within target timeframes and some slippage in the installation of dedicated cycle paths due to supply issues. Officers confirmed that requested school streets would be delivered by 2025, with solutions being sought for schools where direct implementation was not feasible. The format of the Healthy Streets Forum was under discussion, and the Walking and Cycling Strategy was being reviewed, with an updated version expected in September. Progress on e-bikes and the intelligent parking IT system would also be reported back to the committee. Members were assured that the strategic planning element of the committee's remit would continue despite a potential change in the committee's name. Discussions also covered the enforcement of the 20mph speed limit on Wandsworth roads, with plans for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras in some areas and an initial phase of warning notices for speeding motorists. The committee also discussed the timetable for the Examination of the Local Plan, with follow-up discussions planned with Transport for London (TfL) regarding Putney town centre and the inclusion of a second entrance for Putney Station in the Local Plan. The potential use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies to improve the public realm in Putney was also raised. The committee noted the report for information and thanked former councillors for their work on Balham Bridge.

Confirmation of Class E to C3 Article 4 Direction

The committee considered a report on the confirmation of a Class E to C3 Article 4 Direction. This direction aims to bring changes of use from commercial, business, and service properties to residential use under planning control. This measure is intended to allow the council to assess the impact of such proposals on the vibrancy, vitality, and viability of high streets. The committee resolved to support the recommendations, which included confirming the Article 4 Direction made on 30 July 2021, to come into effect on 31 July 2022. They also noted an intervention by the Secretary of State, who was not prepared to allow the Direction to continue in its current form due to an insufficiently targeted approach. The committee agreed to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Environment and Community Services to liaise with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on a refined methodology, revised boundaries, and further evidence to allow the Secretary of State to consider amendments.

Wandsworth Town Station Second Entrance

A report on the second entrance for Wandsworth Town Station was discussed. The new entrance will be located on the former Homebase site and is planned to be delivered concurrently with Network Rail's Access for All scheme, which includes the installation of lifts to all platforms. The committee noted the need to improve pedestrian crossings near the new entrance due to anticipated increased footfall. The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Community Services to enter into a Development Services Agreement with Network Rail for the detailed design of the second entrance, funded by developer contributions. They also approved a capital budget variation of £240,000 for the detailed design stage and agreed to delegate authority to transfer £650,000 allocated for 'Access for All' to Network Rail.

Annual Review of Traffic and Engineering Petitions

The committee reviewed the Annual Review of Traffic and Engineering Petitions, which summarised petition activity over the previous 12 months. Members enquired about an online portal for monitoring petition progress, and it was confirmed that a dedicated resource tracks each petition, providing updates to lead petitioners. The committee discussed how lessons learnt from petitions could improve outcomes, with officers noting that more specific and detailed requests were more likely to result in higher satisfaction rates. The committee resolved to note the list of petitions and actions taken, and to consider whether a further annual report would be required next year.

Old York Road

The committee considered a report on Old York Road. Officers reported that temporary arrangements, which had facilitated pavement dining and supported local businesses, had been successful. These arrangements were initially implemented as a pandemic response for social distancing. The permanent redesign will include necessary resident access to residential streets, addressing a concern raised during consultation. The discussion also covered cyclist access, with suggestions for using textures and colour changes on streets and pavements to guide cyclists. The committee resolved to agree to proceed with the detailed design and construction of the permanent redesign of Old York Road, retaining limited motor vehicle access and using funding from the Capital Programme.

Beaumont Road

Officers confirmed that the recommendations for Beaumont Road reflected a resident's petition for a pedestrian crossing, which is scheduled to be installed by the end of the financial year. The committee resolved to support these recommendations.

Chelverton Road

A deputation on behalf of residents of Chelverton Road raised concerns about the impact of large volumes of traffic, leading to health and safety issues. Residents had submitted a petition calling for a no left turn from Upper Richmond Road into Chelverton Road. The committee agreed that a permanent traffic order to ban left turns during peak hours, except for cycles, would reduce instances of dangerous driving. They resolved to approve the implementation of this restriction, subject to agreement from Transport for London, which is responsible for Upper Richmond Road.

Withycombe Road

Officers confirmed that the recommendations for Withycombe Road aligned with a request from Our Lady Queen of Heaven RC School to install a zebra crossing to improve safety for pupils. The committee resolved to approve the installation of a zebra crossing on Withycombe Road, close to the junction with Victoria Drive.

Wandsworth Bridge Update

The committee received an update on Wandsworth Bridge. A deputation from Wandsworth Cyclists was heard, and members of the committee shared their own safety concerns regarding the bridge. Ideas for improvement, including a toucan crossing, were discussed, and both the committee and Wandsworth Cyclists supported the permanent retention of the cycle lane. Officers committed to keeping the cycle lane in place until September 2022. The report provided a progress update on the bridge refurbishment, noting delays due to the pandemic, storms, and supply issues. The committee approved a capital budget variation of £1.38 million for the refurbishment. An exempt report concerning ongoing contractual issues related to the bridge refurbishment was also considered, with the same budget variation approved.