Councillor GJ Powell Cabinet Member, Education and Infrastructure, presented the report stating that it gave a window of opportunity to deliver schemes, encouraged communities to work together to demonstrate that change was possible. He thanked all Members, Parish Councils, interest groups and the public for contributing to the plan. The Cabinet Member stated that he was aware that the issues of maintenance, public transport, congestion and parking were the main concerns and that this plan could make a difference if Members and some 10% of the population were behind it.

In respect of particular themes, the Cabinet Member made the following observations:

Road Maintenance

The highways maintenance contract was currently going through a procurement process. The works to be carried out under the £1.6m government grant scheme were being commenced early, listings of which were on the Council’s website.

Public Transport

This was about addressing rural isolation and seeking a more integrated, effective and efficient way to deliver a transport network across rural Herefordshire.

Congestion

Use of public transport, park and cycle, park and share and an increase in investment in the cycle network would have lifestyle benefits, in particular for those who start or end their journey to work or school within Hereford. A change by 10% of residents would make a difference. The week commencing 13 May would be “Choose How You Move” week.

Parking

Implementation of the new parking strategy, reducing commuter parking in the city or town centres.

The City and Towns

The ‘Destination Hereford’ plan recognises increased footfall from 2014. Measures would include a new 20 mph zone, improved pedestrian signage and contraflow pedestrian and cycle movement. Each town to be encouraged to develop its own town plan.

Rail

Installation of new lifts at Hereford Station.Consideration of increased park and ride facilities from Leominster Station. The Cabinet Member reiterated that the Council does not control the rail network, but would continue to support rail expansion where  needed. The Rotherwas and Holme Lacy rail scheme concluded that demand, capital costs and subsidy, in excess of £10 per journey did not support progression, a view shared by Network Rail.

The Cabinet Member moved the recommendation be accepted, it was seconded by Councillor MAF Hubbard.

In  discussion the following points were raised:

·              That the plan addressed the 45% of car journeys that happen at peak times which are under 5km in distance.

·              The Council needs to support a community shift in thinking how people get around towns.

Councillor PJ Edwards proposed an amendment to the resolution, to read :- “The Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2013/14 to 2014/15 is approved, subject to greater consideration of rail traffic and reconsideration of the Hereford Edgar Street inner link road.” The motion was seconded by Councillor R.I. Matthews.  In debate the following points were made:-

·              The opinions of the 30% of residents in the county who live in Hereford are vital in respect of the £22-27m link road. Could this be done differently without increasing the Council’s mortgage? Could the housing developer pay for the costs of a link road?

·              That the link road design was a flawed one, and needed to be addressed and not a case of whether a link road is needed or not.

·              The link road was vital for the regeneration of the city and would open up access to the urban village, improve connectivity, reduce traffic, improve safety and facilitate the development of a new Police H.Q.

·              There was only a limited window in which to reconsider the rail traffic issue of a network hub and Rotherwas link.

·              The Rotherwas area is a key employment zone for the county and the Council should seek commitment from Network Rail to extend the service to Rotherwas.

·              That the case for the rail scheme was not financially sound.

·              That there is a planned reduction in journey times on the Hereford-Birmingham line of 12 minutes.

·              That there is evidence that for every £1 spent on rail investment £4 to £5 is returned from business growth.

·              That the rail freight capabilities for Rotherwas should not be overlooked as a freight train could carry up to 3k Tonnes per journey.

·              Access to Rotherwas from the East and North is poor and a rail link would address this.

·              Local M.P.s were pushing to extend use of the Hereford to Great Malvern line, which would include provision of passing loops rather than less efficient passing bays. Currently there is  11 miles of single track between Hereford and Ledbury and the line has been successfully defended against a downgrade to a community line already.

·              There are community led plans involving the Moreton on Lugg rail head and this should prompt re-consideration.

·              That cycle safety is a priority.

·              There is a risk that the city will be physically divided separating the new from the old unless pedestrian access is upgraded and  traffic reduced.

·              There is inbuilt flexibility in the masterplan for the Rotherwas Enterprise Zone to retain entry by rail if needed.

The motion to amend was put to the vote and the vote was taken as follows:-

For:23         Against:27       Abstentions: 2

The motion to amend the recommendation was not carried.

The discussion continued and the following points were made:

·              There was concern about the lack of mention of trees and their contribution to townscape, air quality and noise reduction.

·              That meetings had taken place regarding trees with the Highways Agency in trying to get revision to the Agency’s scheme

·              That the EURO 5 emissions standard was not high enough and the Council should be aiming for the new EURO 6 standard.

·              That EURO 6 was not due in for some time and therefore had not been looked into.

·              There was concern with the closure of Garrick car park and the reduction in car parking spaces for those not able to cycle.

·              Council noted that the new temporary parking facility at Edgar Street would provide 80 places, with further parking capacity elsewhere.

·              That if parents can look at alternatives to taking children to school by car this would make a marked impact on traffic.

·              Negotiations are ongoing with the NHS about staff parking in the area.

The motion was put to the vote and the vote was as follows:

For: 47        Against:5         Abstentions:1

RESOLVED: The Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2013/14 to 2014/15 is approved.