The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Gloucestershire Council met on Wednesday 4 March 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and transport-related issues. Key topics included the performance and future of bus services, the development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, updates on footway repairs and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, and the Executive Director's report covering various economy, environment, and infrastructure matters. The committee also reviewed performance data and noted the minutes from the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire meeting.

Bus Services

Tom Main, Integrated Transport Manager, presented an overview of bus services, highlighting that 85% of the network operates commercially, with the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) serving as the improvement fund for the upcoming year's bus grant. Punctuality figures were reported at 74-79%, below the national target, with reliability affected by congestion, roadworks, and traffic-light priority. The Robin demand-responsive transport service continues to see strong growth, increasing from under 28,000 passengers in 2024 to over 58,000 in 2025, and is emphasised as a subsidised rural service. Members were informed that the national 9:30 am start time for concessionary travel passes is set by the Government, with over £5 million in reimbursements recorded. Officers acknowledged ongoing issues with operators failing to notify passengers of emergency bus stop closures, impacting real-time information. Concerns were also raised about bus stop safety, particularly for visually impaired users, and the council's decision not to install floating bus stops due to updated national guidance. While the 9:30 am start time for concessionary travel was defended due to potential capacity issues and increased operational costs, officers confirmed that future vehicle generations would accommodate two wheelchair users. Discussions also touched upon the management of weight restrictions on bridges affecting bus routes and the definition of bus service reliability as governed by the Traffic Commissioner. The committee noted positive feedback on The Robin service, with plans to extend it for three years, and acknowledged the need for strategic marketing and community engagement.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Luisa Senft-Hayward, Transport Planning Team Manager, provided an update on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development. The core corridor is designed to extend into rural areas, supported by £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for strategic and local plan development. The proposals focus on population density and are intended to facilitate short-to-medium length journeys. The project aims to introduce higher-quality zero-emission vehicles, enhanced bus priority measures, improved reliability, and upgraded bus stops and interchanges. It was highlighted that 15% of households in Gloucestershire, and 20% in Cheltenham and Gloucester, do not have access to a car, and transport costs nationally push around 8% of households into poverty. Without intervention, services risk further decline, with traffic and congestion expected to increase up to 2060. National changes to government funding for local transport schemes have reduced bidding opportunities, despite GCC's previous success. Travel corridors will be delivered in phases, progressing through bronze, silver, and gold standards. Members noted that the BRT map did not show the full bus network, and questioned dialogue with adjacent authorities regarding cross-boundary routes. Officers confirmed that improvements to service frequency might be achievable on the highest-used routes and that they would review approaches inspired by Transport for London (TfL). The prioritisation of BRT delivery in areas like Cinderford to Gloucester was discussed, with the Cabinet Member explaining that commercial operators could be encouraged by demonstrating commercial interest. The budget for market towns and future expansion comes from Strategic Local Plan (SLP) authorities, but GCC funding ensures the whole of Gloucestershire is considered. Interchange delivery programmes are being improved, with near completion in Stroud, Cirencester, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lydney, and Newent, and minor refreshes planned for Cheltenham and Gloucester city centres.

Active Travel - Gloucestershire Cycle Spine

Alan Bullock, Highways Programme and Major Projects Manager, presented details of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine. Ambitious targets have been set for the route between Stroud and Bishops Cleeve to support public health and reduce emissions, with approximately half of the planned routes already completed. Cycle volumes have doubled since the completed sections opened, with users ranging from ages 8 to 80. The scheme aims to encourage a more balanced gender mix among cyclists and promote cycling as a normal and accessible option for children travelling to school. Members noted requests for the cycle route to be expanded to include Tewkesbury, and confirmed that a full road safety audit review of the entire scheme had been undertaken. Officers are monitoring whether any further improvements are required and confirmed a committed maintenance budget for the flagship cycle route. Concerns were raised about street lighting in dark areas, and officers confirmed ongoing conversations with National Highways regarding additional lighting. The team is using camera-based technology for sensors at traffic lights due to the poor reliability of ground-based systems. The Forest of Dean has used Shared Prosperity Funding to develop an active travel plan, and members questioned whether the £80 million would be additional to the £50 million already allocated to the cycle spine, raising concerns about fair investment across the county. Officers confirmed that wider active travel investment is planned, with cycling and walking plans designed and awaiting funding. Gloucestershire County Council secured a contract with Active Travel England (ATE), having spent £50 million, with up to £70 million remaining, the majority of which is external funding from the Department for Transport. Members stressed the need for a stronger voice in the Forest of Dean regarding access and transport, and officers reassured the committee that they aim to support West Gloucestershire, despite infrastructure and highway constraints. The flow and direction of cycle paths were discussed, with decisions dependent on space and road alignment geometry. Officers confirmed they continue to work with district councils and align actions with the local plan, emphasising the need to ensure sustainable transport is fully considered.

Active Travel - Footway Repairs

Jenny Goodson, Highways Operations Manager, introduced the update on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The current ROWIP (2011–2026) requires a full review and republication to align with new national guidelines. Footpath use has increased significantly, and the review will assess the condition and adequacy of the network, including open-access and countryside areas, and identify barriers and signage issues to produce evidence-based actions. Public stakeholder engagement materials are nearly ready, with a draft version expected over the summer and the final document by the end of the year. Members were informed that funding previously allocated to footpaths, including the purchase and installation of kissing gates, would be managed through the current asset management layer. Additional funding has been secured from sources such as the Cotswolds National Landscape, AONBs, and other private or charitable bodies. The PROW plan will be aspirational, and health and wellbeing benefits will be incorporated. The delay in the initial consultation was attributed to the Communications Team's capacity and the desire to avoid overwhelming the market. Data gathered will inform the priority list and statements of actions, with a focus on achieving best value. Parish wardens and landowners are considered key stakeholders. Concerns were raised about accessibility and equality of opportunity on footpaths and bridges, with officers working on providing more accessible solutions like ramps and gates. The plan will also consider PROWs in dense urban areas, addressing issues such as preventing vehicle access and fly-tipping. The 'Walkers are Welcome' group and other stakeholders in the Cotswolds will be targeted for engagement.

Executive Director's Report: Economy, Environment & Infrastructure

This report was taken as read, with officers and members agreeing that climate-mitigation risks are a significant concern. Officers reported that work is being embedded corporately across the Council, with contractors required to declare CO₂ emissions for each contract. It was highlighted that 98.35% of the Council's carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions. Ongoing work focuses on increasing the scale of contracts, considering exemptions, and determining the level of emissions monitoring required from suppliers. Tools are available to support suppliers in mapping their carbon footprints. While Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been measured, achieving a 70% reduction by 2023 against the 2030 target, Scope 3 had not originally been included. The committee expressed support for the EE&I's corporate procurement strategy and suggested sending a letter from the committee. Members inquired about the effectiveness of average speed cameras on the A436, including enforcement levels and collision data. Officers reported positive results and ongoing engagement with parish and local members. The Road Safety Partnership, working with the police, manages enforcement and road safety courses, with any surplus reinvested. Members raised questions about the Minerals and Waste Plan timescale and the impact of quarrying. A member also raised concerns about the environmental impact of disposing of chicken feces, requesting a statement from officers. Discussions also covered maintenance contracts, the performance of resurfacing, and public reports of road surface defects, with officers explaining that recent high rainfall contributed to increased defects and that the contractor is being held accountable. The use of FixMyStreet and liaison with Local Highways Managers were noted as helpful. Concerns were raised about the safety of School Crossing Patrol Officers due to unsafe driving and low recruitment levels, with officers confirming plans to roll out CCTV and trial 'stop and go' boards with cameras. Ornithology in quarrying areas was also mentioned.

Q3 Performance Data

This report was taken as read.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire

The minutes from the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire meeting were noted. Members wanted to highlight that Public Health seemed positive.

Work Plan

The committee reviewed the work plan for the upcoming meetings, noting the themes for future discussions, including Highways and Transport, Waste, Land Use/Management and Strategy, and Road Safety. Future meeting themes not yet allocated include Climate (Biodiversity Net Gain, Clean Power Plan, Air pollution) and Highways (Street works, utility management, operational resilience). Planning themes include developer contributions and local growth plans. Specific items to be included in Colin Chick's updates were also noted.