This report seeks Cabinet member approval to confirm an extension to the programme for the Hereford transport review for completion to the end of September 2020, and to increase the budget for works to cover this extended period which includes provision for technical support to the subsequent decision making process.

That:

(a)  The review programme for the Hereford Transport and South Wye Transport Package be extended to the end of September 2020.

(b)  The budget for completing the review of the Hereford Transport and South Wye Transport Package and providing technical support to the subsequent decision making process be increased by £45.5k: and

(c)  the Acting Assistant Director for Highways and Transport be authorised to take all operational decisions to implement recommendations (a) and (b).

1.       Not to allocate additional budget required to complete the 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. The review aims to identify if there are any viable alternative transport options for addressing the city’s current and future transport issues to ensure the council does not risk adopting a sub-optimal future strategy.