Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Richmond upon Thames Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Transport and Air Quality Committee - Monday, 7 April 2025 - 7.00 pm
April 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm Transport and Air Quality Committee View on council websiteSummary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on Richmond upon Thames and are not the council. About us
The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 7 April 2025 to discuss the Air Quality Action Plan, highway maintenance, and vehicle crossover policies. Key decisions included the approval of amendments to the Air Quality Action Plan, the adoption of the 2025/26 highway maintenance programme, and noting the impact of revised vehicle crossover criteria.
Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30
The committee reviewed responses to the public consultation on the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-30. The plan, which was delayed due to the General Election, received strong public support. Several additional workstreams were incorporated based on feedback, including a pilot programme on non-exhaust vehicle emissions (such as tyre and brake wear), investigating options to reduce the impact of air pollution on nurseries, and updating Supplementary Planning Documents to align with new targets. The council's continued opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion and concerns over airspace modernisation were also to be emphasised. Further actions include targeting engine idling more effectively, with a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) against idling to be consulted on, and extending education programmes to include indoor air pollution and support for disabled individuals. Minor textual amendments were made for clarity, and Public Health sections were updated. The committee also noted that the AQAP had won the Fleet Vision International Air Quality Strategy of the Year Award.
Ward Concerns
Councillor Mansfield raised concerns about delays in promised road improvements for Railshead Road, a road that serves as a key active travel route between Isleworth and Richmond. Despite a budget secured in 2022 and planning applications submitted, works have been delayed due to safety concerns regarding excavating near a historic listed brick wall. The council has no legal power to force the private owner of the wall to undertake repairs unless it is structurally unsafe. A meeting with the wall's owner has been scheduled to discuss progress.
Pavement (Vehicle) Crossover Review
The committee reviewed the impact of amended vehicle crossover application criteria introduced in April 2024. Since the changes, the number of applications has increased significantly, with 143 decided by February 2025 compared to 54 in the previous year. The approval rate has risen from 74% to 88%. A substantial number of these approvals (62) related to previously unauthorised crossovers. The revised criteria, which reduced minimum property width and garden depth requirements, have made it easier for residents to obtain lawful off-street parking. The report noted that while the number of applications has increased, it has not been unmanageable, and design considerations such as permeable paving and pedestrian priority have been maintained. The committee noted that the Policy and Performance Board will review these changes in May 2025.
Programme of Planned Highway Maintenance Works 2025/26
The committee approved the council's revised annual planned highway maintenance programmes for 2025/26. This programme includes 21 footway renewals and 32 carriageway resurfacing projects, with a significant increase in funding to £9.487 million. The additional funding, partly from a £4.3 million capital budget increase, will focus on improving the road network, particularly A and B roads, as well as prioritised residential streets. The approach is data-led and prioritised based on engineering investigations, aiming to move from a state of managed decline
to improvement. The council will also seek further funding from Transport for London (TfL) for principal roads. A reserve list of schemes is also noted, which can be brought forward if additional funding becomes available.
Committee Work Programme
The committee noted its work programme, with several items scheduled for future meetings. These include reviews of e-bikes and e-scooters, bus services, and the Richmond Corporate Plan. Updates on long-term traffic engineering schemes, including the Hampton Court Road cycle and safety scheme, are also planned. The committee also noted that the Hampton Court Road cycle project is dependent on securing further funding from TfL.
The meeting was attended by Councillor Alexander Ehmann (Chair), Councillor James Chard (Vice-Chair), Councillor Carey Bishop, Councillor Michael Butlin, Councillor Jonathan Cardy, Councillor Sam Dalton, Councillor Jeremy Davis, Councillor Andrée Frieze, and Councillor Gareth Richards. Councillor Marjory Millum sent apologies and was substituted by Councillor Cardy.
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.
-
Petitions
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations, as there were no petitions presented to the Transport and Air Quality Committee.
-
Minutes
Recommendations Approved...to approve the minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting as an accurate record and authorize the Chair to sign them.
-
Ward Concerns
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations regarding the ward concern raised by Councillor Mansfield about the delays in delivering the promised changes for Railshead Road in St Margaret's.
-
Committee Work Programme
Recommendations Approved...to note the Committee Work Programme.
-
Programme of Planned Highway Maintenance Works 2025/26
Recommendations Approved...to approve the revised annual planned highway maintenance programmes for 2025/26, note the reserve schemes, and delegate subsequent changes to the Director of Environment & Community Services following consultation with the Committee Chair.
-
Declarations of Interest
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations, noting that there were no declarations of interest.
-
Apologies
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations and note Councillor Millum's apology, with Councillor Cardy substituting for them.
-
Pavement (Vehicle) Crossover Review
Recommendations Approved...to note the impact of the amended vehicle crossover application criteria on demand and approvals, and to consider whether to make observations to the Policy and Performance Board regarding its upcoming review of the matter.
-
Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30
Recommendations Approved...to approve the Air Quality Action Plan for 2025-2030, with adjustments including a pilot program on non-exhaust vehicle emissions, investigation of impacts on nurseries, emphasis on opposition to Heathrow expansion, further targeting of engine idling, and improved readability, while also sharing consultation responses with relevant teams to assist planning.
Attendees
Topics
No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.
Meeting Documents
Agenda
Reports Pack
Additional Documents