The Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 3rd November 2022, to discuss a range of transport-related issues, including parking restrictions around AFC Wimbledon stadium, proposals for Burntwood Lane, and the council's Walking and Cycling Strategy. Key decisions included recommending the Executive to approve the final Wandsworth Walking and Cycling Strategy and to proceed with public consultation on proposals for Burntwood Lane, including potential speed camera enforcement.

Wimbledon Stadium Area Parking Restrictions

The committee discussed the results of a review into parking restrictions in the Wimbledon Stadium area, specifically concerning Event Zone parking on AFC Wimbledon match days. Local residents and businesses expressed dissatisfaction with the current 9:30 am to 9:30 pm restrictions, arguing they were financially burdensome, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, and that existing public transport options made such strict parking controls unnecessary. Councillor Mrs. Angela Graham highlighted the impact on local businesses in Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, and questioned the necessity of restrictions during the December holiday season.

While a deputation speaker suggested a trial period with no restrictions, and Councillor Mrs. Angela Graham advocated for the removal of two parking spaces in Garratt Lane to support local businesses, the Senior Parking Policy Officer presented a report recommending the retention of the current Event Day restrictions. The committee debated an amendment proposed by Councillor John Locker and seconded by Councillor Daniel Hamilton, which sought to investigate free or discounted permits for visitors, explore permanent signage with QR codes, and crucially, remove parking restrictions on Boxing Day. This amendment was not carried. Ultimately, the committee recommended to the Executive that no changes be made to the operational hours or days of the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) within the Event Zone, and that officers investigate options to reduce Event Day restrictions in the future. The Director of Environment and Community Services confirmed that officers could review Boxing Day restrictions under delegated powers.

Burntwood Lane Traffic Calming Proposals

Concerns were raised by Councillor Peter Graham regarding proposals for Burntwood Lane, particularly the introduction of raised tables, citing noise disruption experienced on Magdalen Road. He also expressed reservations about shared footways and argued that speed, rather than traffic volume, was the primary issue, advocating for the introduction of speed cameras. The Head of Engineering (Group 3) presented the report, outlining two options for traffic calming measures and seeking approval to begin public consultation.

An amendment, moved by Councillor John Locker and seconded by Councillor Daniel Hamilton, was proposed to include potential speed camera enforcement on Burntwood Lane, pending the outcome of a current trial, and to ensure it was introduced and monitored for effectiveness. This amendment passed unanimously. The committee subsequently recommended to the Executive to approve public consultation on the two proposals for the Burntwood Lane corridor, including the potential for speed camera enforcement, and to authorise the Assistant Director (Traffic & Engineering) to commission further design work and prepare a cost estimate.

Wandsworth Walking and Cycling Strategy

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Clare Fraser, introduced the Walking and Cycling Strategy, describing it as an evolving document shaped by new information, community feedback, and guidance. The strategy aims to provide structure for plans, reinforce public health benefits, and offer lower-cost mobility solutions as alternatives to car ownership. The committee unanimously expressed appreciation for the posthumous Civic Award presented to Mr Robert Molteno, who was instrumental in developing the strategy.

Discussions touched upon the integration of transport with broader issues like the cost-of-living and health, and partnerships with Transport for London (TfL) for public realm improvements, including disability access on red routes. The council's net-zero strategy was also highlighted as a component of the Walking and Cycling Strategy. The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing collision risks involving motor vehicles and noted ongoing work with TfL to reduce accidents. The committee also discussed the pedestrianisation of Northcote Road and the potential for similar schemes elsewhere. In response to a question about accountability for deliverable targets, Councillor Fraser stated the strategy was a long-term, evolving plan. The committee unanimously supported the recommendations to note the consultation results, the changes made to the draft strategy, and to approve the adoption of the final Wandsworth Walking and Cycling Strategy.

Dockless Bikes and E-scooters

The Transport Strategy Team Manager presented a report on dockless bikes, noting the current legal ambiguity due to a lack of central government legislation. The committee was asked to consider entering formal contractual negotiations with e-bike operators to ensure availability and responsible equipment management, acknowledging the demand for such services demonstrated by Santander E-Bikes. The report also clarified that Wandsworth was not part of the national e-scooter trial, making their use on public roads currently illegal. The introduction of designated drop-off bays was suggested to mitigate inappropriate parking.

Concerns were raised by members regarding public footpath obstructions and how dockless bikes would be managed and enforced, including their potential use in parks. The Cabinet Member for Transport indicated that parks could be ringfenced to prevent bike usage. The Transport Strategy Team Manager added that the use of vehicles was not anonymous and could be geo-tracked or regulated with speed controls, with police involvement in enforcement depending on the offence. The littering of dockless bikes was highlighted as a recurring issue for residents. An amendment proposed by Councillor John Locker and seconded by Councillor Daniel Hamilton sought to instruct officers to work with stakeholders on joining the e-scooter trial, with a report back in summer 2023, to prioritise resolving dockless bike issues, and to authorise officers to issue fines and seize bikes causing obstruction. This amendment was not carried. The committee ultimately recommended to the Executive to authorise the Director for Environment and Community Services to enter into agreements with dockless bike hire companies, identify suitable locations for designated parking bays, and agree in principle to enable the London e-scooter trial to operate in the borough, subject to satisfactory agreements.

School Streets Programme

The Transport Strategy Team Manager provided an update on the School Streets programme, noting that nineteen school streets were currently in operation, with more schools being considered. The committee was informed that an assessment would be conducted for St Michael's C of E School, although it was acknowledged that the road might present challenges for closure. The Opposition Speaker requested to be included in any future plans for Tooting Primary School and St Boniface School, which the Cabinet Member for Transport agreed to. The committee unanimously recommended to the Executive to note the progress of the School Streets programme and to delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Community Services to make decisions regarding the programme.

Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

The Transport Strategy Team Leader introduced the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, outlining the council's efforts to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles by increasing the supply of chargepoints, improving charger speeds, and enhancing charging capacities across council facilities. The committee noted requests for dedicated bays for chargepoints, which evidence suggested increased usage, and that a Traffic Management Order would be required for such provisions. Discussions covered the geographical distribution versus demand-driven placement of new chargepoints. The Deputy Director of Environment and Community Services addressed concerns about private properties with EV cables running to parked cars, stating that the council would focus on non-obstructive lamp columns and free-standing chargers on the carriageway. The committee unanimously supported the recommendations to note progress on EV chargepoint delivery and approve the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy.

Putney High Street Improvements

The Head of Engineering (Group 3) presented an update on the Putney High Street Improvement Project, seeking approval to proceed with designs following positive consultation results. Questions were raised regarding air quality and TfL's bus fleet, with the Transport Strategy Team Manager confirming that while not all TfL buses were electric, they were all ULEZ compliant. The committee discussed challenges with traffic signal design and the concept of cycle gates, with the Head of Engineering explaining their function in providing a safe segregation for cyclists. The committee unanimously recommended to the Executive to note progress on Phase Two of the project, approve additional design work and a capital budget variation of £1.338 million, approve the development of concept cycle proposals for public consultation, note consultation results for Phase 1 Waterman's Green Proposals, approve public realm and lighting improvements by the Library on Disraeli Road, and authorise further design work and securing of additional funding.

Draft Conservation Area Appraisals

The Senior Conservation and Urban Design Officer introduced the report on draft Conservation Area Appraisals, explaining that these appraisals were part of a borough-wide programme and were recommended for public consultation. The report also detailed a proposed Article 4 Direction to withdraw certain permitted development rights to protect the character and appearance of the Magdalen Park Estate Conservation Area. The committee was assured that any significant objections would be brought back for review. Discussions included the circulation of appraisals to ward councillors and the impact of the Article 4 Direction on homeowners making energy conservation changes. The Assistant Director (Planning and Transport Strategy) acknowledged the need for a paper discussing energy efficiency measures for homes. The committee unanimously recommended to the Executive to approve the draft Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for public consultation, approve the making of an immediate Article 4 Direction for the Magdalen Park Estate Conservation Area, delegate authority for non-material drafting changes and agreement of final appraisals, and delegate authority to confirm the Article 4 Direction if no representations are received. They also approved consultation on adding Chivelston to the local list and delegated authority for future requests to add buildings to the local list.

Renewal of Building Maintenance Fleet

The Building Maintenance Manager presented a report on the renewal of the building maintenance fleet, proposing the lease of 41 vehicles, including 13 electric vehicles, to meet ULEZ standards and achieve greener fleet goals. The estimated annual cost of £270,000 would be met from the service's existing budget. The committee asked about waiting times for vehicles and the availability of affordable options, with the officer confirming that electric vehicles would be available by September 2023. The Deputy Director of Environment and Community Services clarified that the Direct Services Organisation was self-funded. A question was raised about replacing vehicles with cargo bikes or pedi-vans, which the Building Maintenance Manager stated was not feasible due to the need for vehicles supporting building works, but that larger electric vehicles would be considered when more efficient and financially viable. The committee unanimously recommended to the Executive to approve the tendering strategy for the fleet renewal and delegate authority to place the order for new vehicles.

Corporate Action Plan and Key Performance Indicators

The Head of Policy, Performance, Analysis and Communications introduced the report containing the newest corporate action plan and key performance indicators (KPIs). The document outlines actions and targets against which progress will be reported. The committee discussed the proposed annual target for 2022/23, with the officer explaining that the target remained proposed due to the cancellation of a previous meeting. The committee also questioned some lower targets compared to past achievements, with the officer explaining that targets reflected national floor targets and were reviewed annually. The specific target for primary schools operating school streets was discussed, with the officer clarifying it represented an ambitious but realistic phased approach. The committee unanimously recommended to the Executive to note the information on impact, approve the 2022/23 Wandsworth Corporate Plan Actions, and approve the 2022/23 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets.