This report seeks cabinet member approval to confirm the scope, outline programme and timescale for undertaking a review of Hereford and South Wye Transport packages following the decision made by cabinet 22 October 2019.

The review is essential to ensure that the council’s decision making is fully informed by the latest information and best practice. We need to ensure any major scheme has a positive impact on the county to address travel issues, such as congestion and air quality, as these schemes have a permanent impact upon the environment which last for generations to come.

The current Local Transport Plan (2016-2031) describes the vision: A transport network that supports growth enabling the provision of new jobs and houses, whilst providing the conditions for safe and active travel, which reduces congestion and increases accessibility by less polluting and healthier forms of transport than the private car. The Cabinet is keen to understand how alternative options address emerging local and national policy such as those resulting from the declared climate emergency, considering new solutions and approaches which have developed over the last twenty years and which are now being implemented in other urban areas.

It is incumbent on the council to ensure that projects are consistent with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and will contribute to reducing the carbon output of the county whilst also addressing the transport problems of the city and supporting economic growth. Whilst the review is being carried out the council will continue to deliver agreed improvements to encourage a shift of travel mode and reduce congestion.

That:

(a)        the review scope and outline programme for the Hereford Transport and  South Wye Transport Package as set out in paragraphs 10-21 is confirmed, for completion by 31 July 2020; and

(b)        the Acting Assistant Director for Highways and Transport be authorised to take all operational decisions to complete the review within a budget of £451,000 as set out in paragraphs 27 and 28.

1.         Not to conduct a review of the transport packages and wider transport strategy. This is not recommended as it will be contrary to the decision of 22 October 2019 taken by the cabinet member to progress a review and would not enable an assessment of whether the major road schemes and wider strategy are consistent with emerging policies regarding climate change.

2.         Limit the review to a peer assessment of the current transport packages. This is not recommended as it will not identify if there are any viable alternative transport options for addressing the city’s current and future transport issues. Such a limited approach would risk the council adopting a sub-optimal future strategy.

3.         Adopt a different approach to undertaking the peer assessment and review of overall transport strategy. The recommended scope of the review incorporates both established major transport scheme development process as set out by the Department for Transport and a best practice approach to strategy development. Whilst there are different approaches which could be undertaken to review the current transport packages and overall transport strategy the approach set out in this report is recommended as it will help demonstrate transparency, objectivity and that it is evidence led.