Issue - meetings

The primary source of funding for schemes and initiatives to improve transport infrastructure and travel behaviour in Brent is Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding, which is allocated through Transport for London (TfL). This report seeks the approval of Highways Committee to submit the 2014/15 capital programme to TfL and following the approval of that body, to implement the schemes and initiatives within the submitted/approved programme.

(i)           Noted the indicative 2014/15 TfL LIP allocation of £3,711,000, comprising of:

·         £2,480,000 for ‘Corridors, Neighbourhoods & Supporting Measures’;

·         £1,131,000 for ‘Principal Road Maintenance; and;

·         £100,000 of ‘Local Transport Funding’;

(ii)          Approved the selection of LIP schemes through application of a priority assessment model;

(iii)         Approved the programme of prioritised schemes and initiatives described in this report and, subject to TfL approval in autumn 2013 and confirmation of the total LIP allocation, instructs the Head of Transportation to deliver these schemes using the allocated budget and resources available;

(iv)         Authorised the Head of Transportation to undertake any necessary non-statutory and statutory consultation, to consider any objections or representations and to implement the necessary Traffic Management Orders if there are no objections or representations or; if the Head of Transportation considers the objections or representations are groundless or insignificant. Otherwise, to refer objections or representations to the Committee for further consideration.

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Transportation that sought approval to submit the 2014/15 capital programme to Transport for London (TfL) and following the approval of that body, to implement the schemes and initiatives within the submitted/approved programme.  Paul Chandler, Head of Transportation clarified that the primary source of funding for schemes and initiatives to improve transport infrastructure and travel behaviour in Brent was Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding, which was allocated through TfL.

With reference to the report, Paul Chandler explained the bidding process and prioritisation metrics. He continued that over the course of any financial year, officers received a significant number of requests for infrastructure improvements and given budget restrictions, it was not always possible to satisfy all of the requests received. Consequently, a prioritisation model had been developed that assisted with the ranking of infrastructure improvement requests received and a draft programme based on provisional funding allocation.  He explained that potential schemes were assessed by scoring each against the likely benefits that it would deliver, reflecting the priorities stated within regional and sub-regional transport policies, plans and strategies along with Brent’s corporate strategic objectives and growth plans.

Members heard that Brent’s provisional LIP funding allocation would allow officers to take forward all schemes put forward during the current financial year for further detailed study and/or scheme development. However, if the final LIP allocation was less than the provisional value of £2,480,000 the size of the programme would need to be reduced accordingly and allocated priority scores would be employed to determine which projects could be taken forward during 2014/15.  

The Head of Transportation continued that the 2014/15 Spending Submission which must be submitted to TfL no later than 17 October 2013 had been developed and presented in two parts: Corridor and neighbourhood schemes and supporting measures; and Principal road asset renewals and strengthening works for bridges and other structures in the Borough.  He added  that the Council was on target to deliver a wide range of infrastructure and initiatives in line with TfL expectations.

In the ensuing debate, it was remarked that whilst major roads were sometimes resurfaced several times within a period, the side roads were often neglected and requested the Head of Transporetation to ensure that TfL considered improving side roads also.  With reference to the 6% of the budget allocated to cycling, the Head of Transportation was asked to indicate the spending priorities.

Members heard that TfL would only invest in class A roads with the remainder of the road repair programme left to Brent Council and which was dealt with under the Highway Asset Plan.  He indicated the key priorities which included the following; cycle lanes, cycle stands, electric vehicle charging points, car clubs, travel awareness, street trees, business travel planning and air quality monitoring to feed into the Council’s programme of work.  In welcoming the report, the Chair emphasised the need to encourage and publicise wider use of car clubs around the Borough if a significant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8