Agenda, decisions and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosureofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, the following interests were declared:

Councillors C Anderson and P M Matthews declared a Personal Interest in Minute  “Siting of Bus Stops”.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy and Infrastructure Policy Development Committee held on 17 June, 2021, be approved as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement & Infrastructure Management introduced the report.

The Passenger Transport Team Leader provided a comprehensive overview of the ownership, type, location and maintenance of bus stops and shelters.It was noted that Officers utilise guidelines as opposed to a formal policy being in place.

Members’ asked questions of the Officer who responded accordingly. Members were urged to message the Transport Team separately regarding any potential safety concerns or cleanliness.

Members’ agreed that a Policy should be devised for use within the City and County of Swansea.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and Officer for the informative report.

Resolved that:

1)    The report be noted.

2)     The Passenger Transport Team Leader draft a policy (based on current operational guidance) and investigate policies used by other local authorities.

The Road Safety Manager provided an overview on the background and issues for consideration associated with the introduction of traffic calming works.

Members noted the traffic calming considerations.

Members’ asked questions of the Officer who responded accordingly.

There is increasing pressure on all local authorities for traffic calming, however, such requests are not welcome by every member of society. The introduction of speed humps and plateaus does have a negative impact on the remainder of the highway and no extra funding is provided in these circumstances.  He suggested that the Committee may wish to investigate this further.  Accident hotspots are eligible for traffic calming through community budgets. 

In response to Member questions, the Cabinet Member for         and Road Safety Officer stated that:

1)    20 mph zones lead to a decrease in air pollution, however, issues arise with acceleration/deceleration.

2)    There is a need to enforce 20 mph zones.

3)    The introduction of traffic calming has a negative impact on the highway and there is no additional funding available to counteract this.

4)    All emergency services are consulted prior to the introduction of traffic calming measures. 

5)    Public consultation is vital in determining the appropriateness of the differing types of traffic calming.

6)    Traffic calming does not adversely affect the availability of residents parking ba

7)    Officers would be able to assist a Working Group however, the Traffic Management Team is currently under resourced.. 

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and Officers for their informative report.

Resolved that:

1)    The report be noted.

The Democratic Services Officer presented the work plan 2021-2022.  She stated that, following discussions at the last Committee, timescales and officer details had now been included in the plan.

Resolved that:

1)    The Director of Place provide an interim update to the Committee regarding the Management of Open Spaces (Biodiversity) online survey prior to reporting back to the Committee in September, 2021.

2)    The Climate Change Strategy be included in the Work Plan.

3)    With the inclusion of the 1) and 2) above, the work plan for 2021-2022 be approved.