The Transport Users' Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 12 November 2024 to discuss a range of transport-related issues. Key topics included updates on rail services from Southeastern, Transport for London (TfL) bus performance, police service activity, and various road maintenance and improvement schemes. Decisions were made regarding follow-up actions on rail issues, the sharing of information on electric vehicle charging, and the investigation of specific road concerns.

Rail Issues

George Paterson from Southeastern provided an update on upcoming service enhancements, including an increase in weekday services and the reintroduction of 12 'rounder' services on the Sidcup and Greenwich lines during peak times, commencing on 15 December. He also detailed a £2 million investment in station improvements across the network, with specific refurbishments planned for Sidcup station. Mr. Paterson presented locally focused train performance data, indicating that Southeastern was generally performing better than the industry standard in Bexley. Discussions also covered the refresh of Class 376 trains, the ongoing replacement of older 'networker' trains with newer models, and Southeastern's winter weather resilience plan. Councillor Richard Diment raised concerns about local cancellations, which Mr. Paterson attributed primarily to infrastructure issues rather than staffing. Councillor Sally Hinkley expressed pleasure at the reinstatement of the Sidcup loop service and inquired about off-peak expansion, to which Mr. Paterson responded that usage would be monitored and a strong business case could lead to extensions. The Sub-Committee resolved that George Paterson would confirm the number of remaining 'networker' trains, feedback concerns about Bexley station ticket office closures, and discuss the redistribution of Thameslink service stops on the North Kent line with Thameslink colleagues. He also agreed to share his presentation slides.

Transport for London Updates

Rachel Harkes from Transport for London (TfL) provided an update, noting that TfL had experienced a cyber-attack on 1 September, which had temporarily suspended several key processes and affected the availability of bus performance data. She confirmed that many services were back online. Ms. Harkes addressed concerns about additional stops along the Superloop (SL3) route, stating that while TfL's transport planners recommended against a stop in Bexley Village due to existing service provision, they would review the case again. She also agreed to discuss further SL3 stops between Abbey Wood and Bexleyheath with planners. Regarding previous actions, Ms. Harkes confirmed that engineering teams were working to reduce mechanical losses in bus performance. She reported that roadworks along Thames Road, which had significantly impacted the 492 route, had been completed, and normal service had resumed. TfL is prioritising work with Arriva to improve performance on this route. Councillor Hinkley welcomed the investment in station toilet provision and inquired about Changing Places toilets, which Ms. Harkes would investigate. Councillor Mrs. June Slaughter's queries about network reliability issues, including staff sickness and driver shortages, would also be looked into. Ms. Harkes committed to reporting back on when Bexley could expect further electric buses. The report on the consultation for Silvertown and Blackwell tunnels was expected imminently, and Ms. Harkes would share it and report back at the next meeting. She also stated that details of actions, outcomes, and learnings from the Watling Street incident would be circulated. The Chairman agreed to share the Bexley Village petition with TfL.

Police Service Update

Inspector Leah Macdonald from the Safer Transport Team reported that Bexley generally had lower crime figures compared to Greenwich and Lewisham. She highlighted Bexleyheath Broadway as a crime hotspot, with increased patrols in the area. Inspector Macdonald mentioned recent successes in apprehending offenders involved in sexual touching and bag dipping, noting the organised nature of some criminal networks. She also touched upon mental health work and motor vehicle theft, with Mercedes vehicles being targeted. In response to Councillor Hinkley's question about community roadwatch, Inspector Macdonald agreed to share details of locations operating within the borough. The Chairman raised the issue of fixed speed cameras on North Cray Road, and a discussion ensued regarding installation criteria and mobile units.

Road Issues

David Freestone provided an update on the potential cycle route between Bexleyheath and Erith town centre, stating that the scheme was still under development. Andrew Bashford detailed the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charge points, with 102 installed in residential streets and plans for further clusters using grant funding. He also confirmed the removal of BP Pulse units and the intention to replace them with an alternative provider, though dates were unconfirmed. Mr. Bashford provided an update on pothole treatment, noting that the current year's allocation, combined with £1 million in additional Council funding, would allow for works on larger areas and clusters of potholes. He reported that 600 potholes had been repaired this year, with a typical annual figure of 1,500. Mr. Bashford explained the process for reactive repairs, involving temporary safety measures followed by permanent repairs within 28 days. He agreed to follow up on public concerns about surface cracking along New Road and Abbey Wood Road and confirmed that works were planned for an approximately 80-metre section of North Cray Road. Discussions also took place regarding controlled parking zone (CPZ) consultations for Abbey Wood station area, Belvedere station area, Slade Green, and West Heath, with surveys currently being collated. Mr. Bashford mentioned the progression of pedestrian crossings and that further consultations would occur once proposals were known.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 16 July 2024 and the absence of any declarations of interest or dispensations, or items of late business.