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Transport and Air Quality Committee - Monday, 7 September 2026 - 7.00 pm
September 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm Transport and Air Quality Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 7 September 2026 to discuss and approve several key initiatives. The committee approved a further phase of the School Streets programme, the development of a new Walking and Cycling Strategy, and the progression of a Lane Rental Scheme.
School Streets Programme
The committee approved the continuation of the School Streets programme with a further phase (phase 7), subject to public consultation. This programme aims to improve safety around schools by restricting motor traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, encouraging sustainable travel, and improving air quality. Councillor Alexander Ehmann (Joint Deputy Leader and Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee) noted that the programme has been successful, with 21 School Streets already in operation serving 30 schools. David Tidley, Head of Transport Strategy, explained that each School Street is bespoke to its location and that the programme has generally been well-received, with no significant displacement of traffic into neighbouring areas. The committee also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Growth to approve final designs and implementation following discussions with the Chair and ward councillors.
Development of Walking and Cycling Strategy
The committee approved the replacement of the Richmond Active Travel Strategy with a new Richmond Walking and Cycling Strategy. This new strategy will support the implementation of the broader Transport Strategy 2040 and aims to encourage more sustainable travel modes. Councillor James Chard (Vice-Chair Transport & Air Quality Committee) highlighted the success of the current strategy, noting that Richmond has the highest walking rate in London and strong cycling participation. However, he expressed disappointment that Transport for London (TfL) funding does not fully reflect this achievement. The new strategy will focus on developing a phased walking and cycling network, expanding cycle parking, and making walking and cycling the preferred choice of travel. The development process will involve stakeholder engagement and public consultation, with the final strategy expected in Autumn 2027.
Lane Rental Scheme
Approval was given to continue the development and implementation of a Lane Rental Scheme for the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This scheme will charge utility companies and other works promoters for occupying traffic-sensitive roads during peak times, incentivising them to complete works more efficiently and reduce disruption. Giles Radford, Director of Highways Operations and Street Scene, explained that similar schemes are already in operation in other London boroughs and have proven effective. The scheme is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion, improve journey reliability, and generate additional funding for highway maintenance. The target commencement date for the scheme is April 2027, with charging beginning in May 2027.
Q1 Quarterly Monitoring Report
The committee noted the Q1 revenue budget position, which indicated a forecast overspend of £57,000 against a net budget of £9.698 million. Alex Moylan, Assistant Director of Finance and Performance, explained that this was a small overspend in the context of the overall budget and that the position would be monitored closely. The report also detailed the latest position on the approved capital programme.
Committee Work Programme
The committee reviewed and noted its work programme. Nick O'Donnell, Director of Growth and Place Directorate, highlighted proposed additions and changes, including updates on the Hampton Court Road cycle scheme, towpath improvements, Richmond Town Centre developments, an update to the Air Quality Action Plan, and a winter readiness report. The committee also agreed to add a report on bus stop audits to the work programme.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Committee Work Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee noted the Committee Work Programme on 07 September 2026. The programme outlines upcoming matters for consideration including reviews of cargo bike initiatives, cycle and pedestrian safety schemes, and traffic reduction schemes. Specific officer actions include reporting on consultation results for the Hampton Court Road cycle and pedestrian safety scheme and the A310 cycle improvements.
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Ward Concerns
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee decided to approve recommendations on 07/09/2026. There were no Ward Concerns.
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Petitions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee decided that recommendations were approved on 07/09/2026. There were no petitions.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee noted apologies from the Executive Director of Growth and Place, Naz Hussain. This was decided on 07 September 2026.
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council decided to approve recommendations on 07/09/2026. There were no declarations of interest.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 9 June 2026. The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes.
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Progressing a Lane Rental Scheme for the London Borough of Richmond
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee decided to approve the continued development and implementation of a Lane Rental Scheme for the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on 07/09/2026. The committee approved commencing stakeholder and statutory consultation, authorising the Director of Resident Services to make minor amendments, and noted the anticipated implementation programme with a target commencement date of April 2027. Additional staffing will be recruited, fully funded from scheme income, and subject to job evaluation.
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Q1 Quarterly Monitoring report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee noted the Q1 quarterly monitoring report on 07/09/2026. The report indicated a projected revenue budget overspend of £57,000 and provided the latest position on the approved capital programme.
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School Streets
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee decided to approve a further phase of the school streets programme, subject to public consultation. The committee delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Growth to approve final designs and implementation.
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Development of Walking and Cycling Strategy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Transport and Air Quality Committee decided to approve the replacement of the Richmond Active Travel Strategy with a new Walking and Cycling Strategy on 07/09/2026. The committee also approved the proposed method for developing the strategy and its priority areas. The new strategy will focus on delivering a phased walking and cycling network, expanding cycle parking, and making walking and cycling the preferred choice of travel.
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