Agenda item

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 6.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 6. 

The report sought approval to adopt the final version of the Adur & Worthing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP): a high level, strategic network plan for safe and accessible future cycling and walking infrastructure provision.

The report outlined recently published government guidance for walking and cycling provision relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; and sought member approval for urgent work with West Sussex County Council on local improvements in line with the Adur & Worthing LCWIP. 

It was noted that a Draft version of the LCWIP had been presented to the Joint Strategic Committee on 7th November 2019, where Members approved the draft version being taken through Public Consultation between November 2019 and January 2020.

The report outlined the outcomes of the public consultation, in particular, the overwhelming support for improved cycling and walking infrastructure provision (see section 4). It sought approval for amendments made to the Plan as a result of the consultation responses.

The Committee noted that the Plan had been produced with the consistent support and input from the Adur & Worthing Cycling & Walking Group; and oversight and support from West Sussex County Council.

A Member sought clarification regarding the timeline for delivery of the cycle route between George V to Sea Lane ‘the Goring Cycleway’. Officers agreed to provide a written response to the question. 

During discussion on this item, Members considered a number of issues including:-

• Incentive schemes for getting people out of cars and onto bikes;
• The maintenance of cycling infrastructure; 
• WSCC’s ability to deliver on a number of ambitious schemes;
• The security of bike stores.

The recommendations in the report were proposed by Councillor Daniel Humphreys, seconded by Councillor Neil Parkin and unanimously agreed by the Committee.

Decision:  

The Joint Strategic Committee 

(a)         In relation to the Adur & Worthing LCWIP:

        i.         noted the outcomes of the Public Consultation;

       ii.         approved the amendments made to the cycling network routes and walking zones listed at paragraph 4.7 (Worthing) and 4.8 (Adur) in response to the consultation; and 

      iii.         approved the formal adoption of the Final LCWIP and the utilisation of the document to support funding or investment opportunities on the network; and

      iv.         delegated authority to the Director for the Economy in consultation with the relevant Executive Member to make minor design amendments to the Plan prior to publication.

In relation to the COVID-19 guidance from government for interventions on the traffic network and in public spaces to allow for social distancing and active travel: 

      v.         delegated authority to the Director for the Economy, in consultation with the Leaders of Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils to:

·       Work with, agree proposals and submit representations to West Sussex County Council for the implementation of emergency interventions on the road networks to include emergency traffic regulation and road closure orders. 

·       Develop proposals for ‘safer public spaces’, working with West Sussex  County Council where their involvement is required; and also 

·       Allocate finance secured through the Business Rate Pool for these interventions in anticipation of the distribution of the £250m government finance allocated for these emergency measures.

Call In: 

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 June 2020.