Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director – Highways and Capital Projects

The Assistant Director – Highways and Capital Projects submitted a report (previously circulated) setting out the proposed requirements of Active Travel Neighbourhoods; and detailing the proposed requirements of Active Travel Neighbourhoods Feasibility as outlined in the draft policy (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that Darlington has been successful at implementing initiatives to encourage walking and cycling, this includes being a Sustainable Travel Demonstration Town between 2004 and 2009 and a Cycle Demonstration Town between 2005 and 2011, with Members noting that both initiatives encouraged non-motorised trips with a result in lower overall traffic levels. Reference was also made to Lets Go Tees Valley and Personalised Travel Planning which has provided tailored information to residents about travel choices and have been effective in encouraging use of alternative modes of transport.

Reference was made to the benefits of walking and cycling and Members were advised that Active Travel Neighbourhoods Feasibility considers how improvements can be made within local communities to ensure short trips are undertaken by walking and cycling.

It was reported that government policy has been to encourage short trips by walking, wheeling and cycling, including guidance on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, Plan for Drivers; that this guidance led to a review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods due to negative publicity and that this review found them to be ineffective due to a lack of meaningful consultation with residents.

Members were advised that as part of the development of the Active Travel Neighbourhood Feasibility, a review of the current Department for Transport guidance has been undertaken, along with considering Active Travel England toolkits and best practice to develop measures to encourage walking and cycling; and that a comprehensive communications plan would be developed to ensure all stakeholder views are included. This would also include Member engagement.

Members made reference to the benefits of active travel neighbourhoods; and concerns were raised regarding the existing cycle routes. Members were assured that improved connectivity would encourage usage. Members noted that there is an overarching Tees Valley Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) in place to deliver improvements to the transport network.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and proposed actions be noted.