The Transport Users' Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for 12 March 2026 was set to cover a range of transport-related issues, including updates from South Eastern Railway and Transport for London (TfL), as well as discussions on street works, road maintenance, and road safety. The meeting's agenda also included a review of rail issues and general road matters.

Rail Issues

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on rail issues, including actions from previous meetings. This included clarifications on whether engineering works are classified as cancellations, further details on surveys conducted by Transport Focus and TravelWatch, and reports on train timings and bus replacement routes during the Dartford blockade. There was also a planned report back on the use of drones for trespass incidents and trial findings, along with details on the processes involved in deciding to reopen a line. Concerns were to be raised regarding the disconnect between infrastructure planning and the timing of the London Bridge Kent Metro Strategic Study, with David Freestone expected to keep members informed of the Council's engagement with this study.

Transport for London (TfL) Updates

Updates from Transport for London (TfL) were on the agenda, focusing on bus service performance monitoring, with TfL expected to provide a report on poorly performing routes within the borough. The meeting was also to be briefed on TfL's trials of new bus shelter designs, which aim to improve lighting, seating, and accessibility, aligning with TfL's Equity in Motion publication. These new designs were being trialled at various locations, including Stop Z (Church Road) in High Street, Sidcup. Previous outstanding issues for TfL were noted as resolved, and an action to arrange a meeting with Arriva had been fulfilled.

Street Works

The committee was scheduled to receive information on street works and inspections. This included an overview of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) and the London Permit Scheme (LoPS), which requires utilities to apply for permits for road and street works. The report detailed the inspection process, categorised into during works (Category A), interim reinstatement (Category B), and permanent reinstatement (Category C). The potential introduction of lane rental schemes, which aim to reduce congestion by charging utilities for working on busy roads during peak times, was also to be discussed. The report outlined the Council's own programme for road resurfacing and highlighted significant investment from Thames Water in replacing old mains. An indicative plan of streets potentially affected by street works activities in 2026/27 was to be presented.

Road Issues

Discussions on road issues were planned, covering cycling infrastructure and electric vehicle (EV) charging. For cycling, the report detailed Bexley's provision of cyclist training through Bikeability and outlined the development of a cycle network between Bexleyheath and Erith. Two potential alignments for this route were to be considered: one via Church Road and an alternative via Arnsberg Way and Long Lane. The report recommended progressing with the alternative alignment due to its shorter distance and more natural cyclist desire line, despite challenges with the Long Lane bridge. Discussions on the preferred alignment between Bexleyheath Town Centre and Northumberland Heath were paused until after the May elections. The report also noted the installation of secure and sheltered cycle storage units in residential areas, funded by TfL, and provided an update on cycle training figures, indicating a slight drop in attendees.

Regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging, the council's role in providing on-street charge points was to be discussed. The report detailed existing provision, including lamp column-based units and in-ground units, and highlighted plans for further rollouts. Bexley had successfully bid for government funding for residential-based EV charging provision. The report also touched upon the legal implications of placing cables on the highway for EV charging.

Highway Maintenance and Improvement Schemes

The committee was to be briefed on highway maintenance and improvement schemes. This included the council's duty to maintain the road network, with maintenance carried out reactively for issues like potholes and proactively through planned resurfacing programmes. The report detailed the inspection frequency and thresholds for action on carriageways and footways. It noted an upward trend in pothole repairs over the past five years. The planned maintenance programme was to be discussed, along with the challenges of coordinating with utility works. The report also highlighted Bexley's successful use of highway maintenance funding and its positive assessment by the Department for Transport (DfT), with potential for additional funding based on meeting specific criteria.

Road Safety

Information on road safety was scheduled for discussion, including the council's duty to study accidents and implement preventative measures. The report presented current data on road casualty levels, showing a decrease in fatal and slight casualties but an increase in serious casualties compared to the preceding two years. The data also indicated an increase in pedal cycle casualties. The council's role in promoting sustainable travel to schools and managing School Crossing Patrol services was also to be covered.

Winter Maintenance (Gritting)

An update on winter maintenance operations was planned. The council's statutory duty to grit roads during periods of ice and snow was outlined, covering specific routes and additional treatments for footways in key areas. The report detailed the process of monitoring weather forecasts and the operational timings for gritting. It confirmed that the council held sufficient grit reserves and had additional stocks on order, preparing for changing weather conditions. The winter maintenance season was expected to continue until April 2026.