The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 16 March 2026, agreeing to delegate authority for the borough's hire e-bike services to Forest Bikes as a sole provider, and approving the final draft of the Transport Strategy to 2040. The committee also agreed design concepts for Phase 1 of the Hampton Court Road Cycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements and approved the progression to informal consultation.

Petition for HGV Weight Restriction in Barnes

The committee considered a petition submitted by Paul Hobson on behalf of the Barnes Community Association, calling for the introduction and enforcement of a 7.5-tonne weight restriction for HGVs on The Terrace and High Street in Barnes. Mr. Hobson argued that heavy vehicle traffic was causing danger to road users, damage to buildings, and congestion, while also impacting the area's character. He highlighted that similar weight restrictions were already in place in other parts of the borough. Councillor Minolte-Howard, a ward councillor, supported the petition, citing personal experience of congestion and danger on the roads. In response, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, stated that the council had already been considering weight limit options for this route and that the petition reinforced the need for such measures. Council officers have begun considering options and aim to discuss them with ward councillors by the end of April, with a community consultation planned after the May elections.

Ward Concern Regarding Controlled Parking Zones

Councillor Coombs raised a ward concern regarding the inclusion of Strathairn Avenue and Percy Road in the Whitton South Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). Following a street letter consultation with residents, it was found that in Strathairn Avenue, 14 households were in favour of inclusion in the CPZ and 12 were against. In Percy Road, four out of seven respondents were in favour. Councillor Coombs requested that a formal council consultation be conducted in the next financial year to determine if these roads should be included in the CPZ. The council acknowledged the request and stated that upon receipt of a petition demonstrating support, consideration would be given to adding the location to the parking work programme. However, it was noted that such a consultation would more likely take place in the 2027-28 financial year, subject to other priorities.

Future E-bike Services

The committee discussed the outcome of a procurement exercise for hire e-bike services in Richmond upon Thames. After considering feedback from a public scrutiny session and a call for evidence, which indicated a desire for continued e-bike services with improved management and control, the council invited submissions from operators. The procurement process involved assessing bids based on quality (45%) and pricing (55%), with Forest Bikes scoring highest overall for both a single-operator (Lot 1) and a two-operator model (Lot 2). The recommendation was to delegate authority to officers to award the contract to Forest Bikes as a sole provider, subject to contract completion.

During the debate, several public speakers and councillors raised points regarding the impact on users, particularly those with disabilities, the availability of bikes across boroughs, pricing, and the potential benefits of having one versus two operators. Councillor Carey Bishop emphasised the need to consider the needs of disabled people, older individuals, and young families, advocating for clear expectations and robust enforcement regarding parking. Tim Lennon, representing the London Cycling Campaign, welcomed the strategy's focus on active travel but stressed the importance of safe parking and improved road safety enforcement. Stephen Stevens questioned who would benefit from removing Lime bikes, arguing that it would reduce choice and potentially create issues at borough boundaries. Paul Barrett, a regular Lime bike user, expressed a preference for Lime due to its user experience and app, and argued that choice is better than no choice. Helen Edwards highlighted the crucial role e-bikes play in providing connectivity for Barnes residents, particularly with the ongoing closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

Councillor James Chard noted that the quality scores for the bidders were similar, and the decision was largely influenced by pricing and the concessionary fee to the council. He argued that a single provider offered a significantly larger contribution to public services, which tipped the balance in favour of the recommendation. Councillor Andrée Frieze, however, expressed concerns about relying on a single provider, citing the risk of companies going out of business. Ultimately, the committee agreed to delegate authority to officers to award the contract to Forest Bikes on the basis of Lot 1 (sole provider), subject to contract.

Transport Strategy 2040

The committee reviewed the final draft of the Richmond upon Thames Transport Strategy to 2040. David Tidley, Head of Transport Strategy, explained that the strategy aims to set a long-term vision for transport improvements over the next 10-15 years, focusing on infrastructure stewardship, urban quality, safety and environment, sustainable mobility and public transport, accessibility and inclusion, growth and development, and regional advocacy. The strategy does not provide specific targets but sets out broad themes and will be supported by detailed action plans. Councillor Bishop and Councillor Marjory Millum raised points about the inclusion of specific rail lines, such as the Shepperton line, and the impact of the Hammersmith Bridge closure. Councillor Gareth Richards called for new pedestrian crossings and alignment with the Mayor of London's Vision Zero Action Plan. The committee approved the draft final version of the strategy and the process for its publication.

Hampton Court Road Cycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Phase 1)

Chris Smith, Assistant Director of Engineering, presented the proposals for Phase 1 of the Hampton Court Road Cycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements. The scheme aims to enhance on-street cycle facilities, improve pedestrian crossings, and upgrade the streetscape between Hampton Court Roundabout and Bushy Park. The design concepts include a revised bus stop bypass arrangement, relocation of existing zebra crossings away from the roundabout to improve safety, and exploration of alternative parking provisions. The committee was asked to agree the design concepts and to approve an informal consultation on Phase 1. Councillor Michael Butlin raised concerns about the safety of floating bus stops and requested data on collisions at the proposed location. Councillor Frieze inquired about the necessity of integrating a floating bus stop into the scheme. Councillor Marjory Millum asked about the funding for the project and the possibility of retaining car club bays for alternative uses. The committee agreed to the design concepts for Phase 1 and to proceed with informal consultation.

Committee Work Programme

The committee noted the current committee work programme. It was explained that due to the upcoming election, the programme would be populated thereafter, with a shadow work programme being developed to ensure clarity for any incoming administration.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The committee agreed not to go into a private session, and therefore noted the contents of the exempt report on future e-bike services.