To agree the approach to progressing the development and delivery of the transport strategy in 2021/22.

To allocate funding required to support the development and delivery of activities set out in this report.

THAT:

(a)  Cabinet confirms its priorities for progressing the Hereford Transport Strategy and allocates £1.24m one off revenue funds for 2021/22 as follows:

              i.        £300k to progress feasibility and design for safer routes to school infrastructure schemes;

            ii.        £150k to develop a cycling and walking masterplan for the city;

           iii.        £90k to support a clear communications campaign and encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport and also supporting covid recovery;

           iv.        £400k to progress the eastern road link and river crossing;

            v.        £100k to support the updating of the local transport plan; and

           vi.        £200k to fund delivery director and project management support to ensure delivery of this programme at pace.

(b)  The additional transport proposals outlined in paragraph 13 be noted as providing potential benefits and that a budget of £250k from the Settlement Monies Reserve is allocated to fund the business case development, feasibility work and community support to assess the benefits and determine which projects should be taken forward and inform future decision making.

(c)  The Delivery Director in consultation with the cabinet member for transport and infrastructure and the chief finance officer is authorised to take operational decisions associated with the commissioning of technical support required to deliver proposals and activities determined by cabinet under recommendation (a and b). 

1.      A recommended approach to progressing cabinet’s preferred strategy for Hereford is outlined in this report. Cabinet may wish to allocate different levels of funding to the strategy elements.