The Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee met on Tuesday 24 February 2026, approving the restart of the Aldgate to Blackfriars Cycleway project and agreeing to initiate works for the Salisbury Square Highway and public realm scheme up to a total budget of £5 million. The committee also agreed to retain Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) powers for a further three years.

Aldgate to Blackfriars Cycleway

The committee considered a report seeking approval to restart the Aldgate to Blackfriars Cycleway project following public consultation and a review of the design against new statutory guidance on floating bus stops. A member questioned if the work could be deferred until further guidance is issued in 2027, but officers advised that progressing the scheme now would allow for more detailed design work and engagement using TfL funding. Officers also confirmed that further guidance would only relate to signage and not design changes. Members were informed that behaviour change activities would include signage, targeted enforcement, and supporting TfL and City Police education campaigns. Officers agreed to investigate exploring a City education campaign. In response to a question about e-bikes, officers explained there is no legal difference between pedal cycles and electric assist pedal cycles (EAPC), and illegal e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. The committee voted to approve the recommendations by 5 votes to 3, agreeing to restart the project and proceed with detailed design.

Salisbury Square Highways and Public Realm Project (Gateway 3)

The committee approved the initiation of works for the Salisbury Square Public Realm and Highway Improvements project, subject to receipt of funds from the developer, up to a total budget of £5 million. The total estimated cost of the project is £6,877,772. A risk provision of £467,794 was approved, funded from the project budget. The committee noted an estimated funding gap of £1,877,772, which is being resolved. The Executive Director Environment was authorised to consider responses to the Traffic Management Orders consultation and, if deemed appropriate, make them permanent.

Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO)

The committee noted the usage of the ATTRO during 2025 and agreed for the powers to be retained for a further three years. Members were informed that the recommendations had been approved by the Police Authority Board. Concerns were raised about human rights implications, with a call for the City Police to exercise great care when using the powers. It was noted that the powers had been used carefully and reasonably. Officers confirmed that the report provided an assessment of human rights implications, and members were informed about a judicial review against Westminster Council which established that each use of ATTRO powers must be justified on a case-by-case basis.

Fleet Street Area Healthy Streets Programme

An update was provided on the Fleet Street Area Healthy Streets Programme, which aims to improve streets and public realm in the area. The plan is a long-term strategy with no funded delivery plan in place at present, with funding opportunities to be explored. Consultation would take place on individual schemes as they progress. The one-way direction for Vine Street is yet to be determined. Improved accessibility for cyclists would be achieved by raising the carriageway. The poor condition of the rail bridge would be brought to the attention of Network Rail. Transport for London had been consulted on the entire plan. The committee noted the update and approved the allocation of £30,000 for staff costs and £10,000 for fees from Section 106 funds towards the development and management of the Programme over the next 12 months.

Highway Construction and Maintenance Term Contract - Proposed Contract Extension

The committee noted a report regarding a proposed five-year extension to the Highway Construction & Maintenance Term Contract with FM Conway, due to their sustained high performance and strong partnership working. A member expressed pleasure that FM Conway was implementing actions to reduce emissions.

Policy and Projects Delegated Decisions

The committee received a report summarising decisions taken between 1 February and 28 April 2026 relating to Transport and Public Realm projects. An update was provided on the Arthur Street S278 project, with officers aiming to begin works in July/August 2026. The Chairman encouraged members to submit questions on future delegated decisions reports in advance. The report was noted.

Outstanding References

The committee received an update on outstanding references. For King William Street Parapet, TfL had funding for detailed design, but funding for the work itself was unconfirmed. Officers agreed to raise concerns about the location of the bus stop with TfL. For Bank, public consultation was due to close on 31 May 2026, with a final report to be submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee on 10 November 2026 for decision. The report was noted.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Sub Committee

A member raised a question about the approach to abandoned vehicles. Officers confirmed discussions with City Police and a formal meeting to discuss the appropriate protocol. Enforcement officers were reminded to report abandoned vehicles with 'police aware' notices.

6-11 Crescent - Section 278 Agreement for Highways Reinstatement

The committee authorised officers to negotiate and enter into a Section 278 agreement with the developer of 6-11 Crescent for highway reinstatement works, estimated to cost between £35,000 and £80,000. These works are a condition of planning permission for the development and will be fully funded by the applicant.

10-16 Bevis Marks - Section 278 Agreement for Highway Reinstatement

Similarly, officers were authorised to negotiate and enter into a Section 278 agreement with the developer of 10-16 Bevis Marks for highway reinstatement works, including security measures, estimated to cost between £50,000 and £80,000. These works are also a condition of planning permission and will be fully funded by the applicant.

Project and Programme Reporting Following the Portfolio Management Framework Adoption

The committee noted the proposed way forward regarding projects and programmes under the new Corporate Portfolio Management Framework, which aims to streamline project governance. They also noted the tiering of projects and that Tier 2 (or above) projects will retain decision-making with the committee. The committee approved the delegation of authority to the Executive Director Environment to agree and enter into Section 278 legal agreements for Tier 1 projects and those below £250,000.

Special Events on the Highway

The committee agreed to support the regular core events programme for 2026, which includes sporting, ceremonial, and celebratory events. They also agreed in principle to support the Nocturne cycling event, proposed to take place over two days in June 2026. The report outlined the benefits and impacts of these events, noting that the core programme events are generally considered to have a positive balance between benefits and impact.

Shared Use Space Study

The committee received a report for information on the Shared Use Space Study.

Outstanding References

The committee received a report for information on outstanding references.