The Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board met to discuss several key issues, including measures to improve air quality outside schools, an update to the decluttering policy for highways infrastructure, and the progress of the council's forestry services and tree planting programme. The board reviewed the updated Decluttering Policy and requested more information on measures to reduce car idling. They also noted the progress of the Planting Our Future Programme.

Car Idling and Air Quality Outside Schools

The board discussed a report on improving air quality outside schools, a matter that had been brought to the council's attention via a petition and motion in late 2024. The central issue was the health implications of motorists leaving their engines running while waiting to collect children from schools.

The report provided data on health implications, air quality monitoring, and explored educational and enforcement options. It was noted that older diesel vehicles contribute significantly to the problem due to their high emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulates.

Key points from the discussion:

• Health Implications: Air pollution poses a significant risk to public health, with no safe levels. Data indicated that emergency hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in Solihull are higher than the England average, although lower than in Birmingham. Hospital admissions for asthma in under-19s are also a concern.
• Air Quality Monitoring: The council uses a network of diffusion tubes to monitor nitrogen dioxide levels. Data from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) using low-cost sensors at schools showed no exceedances of the 1-hour mean for nitrogen dioxide.
• Education Campaigns: Campaigns at ten schools reached approximately 8,000 pupils' parents/carers. Observations suggested a short-term impact on driver behaviour.
• Enforcement:
  • The board considered the use of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address car idling, but it was noted that the criteria for a PSPO, particularly around antisocial behaviour and evidence, may not be met.
  • Existing legislation allows local authorities to issue a £20 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to drivers who idle their engines.
  • Deploying Civil Enforcement Officers to address idling could cost £22,400 per year, with uncertain income from fines.

The board was asked to consider whether the council should invest in more educational campaigns and/or develop an enforcement strategy. It was also suggested that any enforcement strategy should utilise existing powers rather than establishing a PSPO. The board's views will be shared with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, and the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning.

Highways Infrastructure Decluttering Policy

The board reviewed an updated Decluttering Policy for highways infrastructure. The existing policy, adopted in June 2013, has been updated to reflect changes in national, statutory, and regulatory guidance.

The policy aims to manage traffic signs, road markings, and street furniture to ensure the streetscape is safe, efficient, and attractive. The updated policy incorporates guidance from the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD), the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM), and the Manual for Streets.

Key principles of the policy:

• Compliance with TSRGD and TSM.
• Evidence that omission of signs would present a risk to road safety.
• Enhancement of the street scene and contribution to council policy objectives.

The policy covers highway signage, street furniture, street lighting, and road markings on all publicly maintained roads in the borough.

The board was asked to note the contents of the updated policy and provide comments to be shared with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure before cabinet approval.

Forestry Services and Planting Our Future Update

The board received an update on the council's Forestry Services and the Planting Our Future Programme.

The Urban Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 guides the council's approach to managing and enhancing the urban forest. The council manages approximately 43,000 park trees, 22,000 highway trees, 9,000 housing trees, and 55 hectares of woodland.

The Forestry Service uses the VALID (Valid, Anatomy, Load, Identity, Defect) Risk/Benefit Management system to manage trees based on risk level. Trees in high-risk areas receive more frequent checks. The council also uses a digital tree asset management system called Tree Plotter to record tree data and manage work.

The Planting Our Future programme aims to increase canopy cover by planting the right tree in the right place. The programme has a target of planting 250,000 trees by 2030.

Key achievements of the Planting Our Future programme:

• 125,000 trees planted since 2020-21.
• 10 community orchards established.
• Over 1,500 volunteers engaged.

During 2025, hedgerow and woodland creation planting sites have been created at Solihull Riding Club and Dorridge Cricket Club, with woodland creation at Baddesley Clinton National Trust site.

The board was asked to note the council's risk-based tree management system and the progress of the Planting Our Future Programme. Members were also asked to provide feedback on whether they would value an information session on identifying risks with trees, and on future areas of focus for tree planting in Solihull.

Other Matters

• Councillor Bob Grinsell declared that he was related, by marriage, to Councillor K Grinsell, Leader of the Council.
• Councillor Michael Carthew declared that his family's home was situated next to Widney Manor Cemetery.
• Councillor Laura McCarthy declared that her family had benefited from the Council's Free School Meals Voucher Scheme.
• The board agreed to the core Work Programme for the remaining meetings of 2025/26, as detailed in the Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board Work Plan - 2025 2026 - Version 6 - A.