Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director - Transport and Capital Projects

The Assistant Director – Transport and Capital Projects submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with an annual update on highways and transport from a regional and local perspective, outlining delivery, performance and public satisfaction in 2022/23 and outlining the 2023/24 programme, including the release of funding; and providing an update on the Darlington Transport Plan.

The submitted report stated that there had been good progress on the development and delivery of the transport capital programme; the Tees Valley had secured significant funding from government, including the £310m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme; and that the Council had adopted a new Transport Strategy for the Borough, Town Centre Transport Plan and Parking Strategy, with work underway on implementing the associated action plans.

It was reported that the Department for Transport (DfT) was focussed on progressing the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) and the Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP); Darlington had started the delivery of one of two priority schemes in the LCWIP with the creation of phase one of a cycling route on Woodland Road; and Members were informed that an Enhanced Bus Partnership had been created to deliver improvements to bus services.

Reference was made to the progress on the schemes delivered in 2022/23, the Transport Capital Programme 2023/24 and proposed programme of schemes, and the Performance Indicators.

Discussion ensued regarding cycle path usage; maintenance of structures; and following ongoing concern regarding bus services, Members were informed of the Tees Valley Combined Authority improvement plan to address bus punctuality. Members were also provided with a progress update on the School Streets Initiative.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.