To approve the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2013/14 to 2014/15 prior to it being submitted to Council on 8 March 2013 for adoption.

The Cabinet Member Education and Infrastructure presented the report  and made the following comments:

·         The report before Cabinet was the same as the one that went to General Overview and Scrutiny (GO&S) and that the comments of GO&S would be reflected in the report to Council. 

·         That the meeting of July 2012 Cabinet had agreed that the Local Transport Plan and the Local Development Framework would be dealt with separately.

·         A simplified plan providing greater clarity on actions and delivery was proposed.  The key point was to reduce congestion in Hereford City and make it an easier place to visit. 

·         From 1 April public health would be the responsibility of Council and it was the wish of Cabinet to encourage walking and cycling.  It was also intended to introduce a 20 mph limit in the historic centre, replace signage and concentrate on major events in the city with the aim of having the centre traffic free for shoppers.

The following comments were made in discussion with Members:

·         Concern was raised for low income families and the cost of car parking.

·         Cabinet was informed of the idea for areas to adopt park and share points to help reduce the amount of vehicles coming into the City centre.

·         It was felt the LTP was the beginning of a very good strategy, but effort must be put into improving the walking routes. 

·         The Cabinet Member, Environment, Planning and Housing welcomed the report, how it would work in conjunction with the LDF and the development of park and share, cycle routes and the possibility of bicycles being taken onto buses.

RESOLVED: That the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2013/14 to 2014/15 be approved by Cabinet and the recommendations of the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee be incorporated into the final report for adoption by Council.