The Richmond upon Thames Transport and Air Quality Committee is to meet on 16 September 2024.
The agenda raises a number of important issues.
1. Review of borough-wide 20mph scheme
The 20mph limits now cover 97% of the length of the roads in the borough.
Motor traffic volume in 2024 is 7.4% lower than in 2018. There has been a significant increase in motorcycle journeys: 1.8% to 4.2%. One cause is meal and grocery delivery services. Cycling has grown from 4.2% to 6% of journeys.
Average speeds have fallen 2.6mph since 2018 and by 4.4mph on roads with an average speed exceeding 24mph in 2018. No data is mentioned on cycling speeds.
In the period 2016-2023 there have been 13 fatalities, including 6 pedestrians and 4 motorcyclists. Of 82 serious collisions in 2023, half involved a cyclist. A study is proposed to review serious collisions with more vulnerable road users. This will assess not only recorded collision data but also a personal depiction of road risk for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, in cooperation with the Council’s Public Health Department.
Air quality generally has improved year on year since 2018.
2. School streets update
The Report describes an expansion of existing school streets with some changes including enhanced road markings and bollards that resemble coloured pencils.
3. Review of cycle parking
Cycle parking is noted as a key component of encouraging greater uptake of cycling.
The Report notes the difference between short-stay (cycle stands) and long-stay (bikehangars) cycle parking, plus the need for parking for hireable dockless bikes (e.g. Lime and Forest bikes), where the target had been greatly exceeded. There are over 500 short stay stands across the borough, excluding those on publicly-available private land. The Council proposes to install a further 500 stands over the next five years.
The Report states that the use of dockless bikes is supported by the Council and within the borough, with the council working closely with operators to refine their policies, especially in relation to their parking, and ensure they are not an encumbrance for residents.
[There IS a subject for debate! The Why Bikes may be obvious but the How and Where are not. The inevitable, and for various reasons desirable, increase in cycle use must also take account of the welfare, safety and convenience of other road users and residents.]
4. Transport Strategy 2040
The Richmond upon Thames Transport Strategy 2040 would be distinct from the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) and the Local Plan as it would be taking a longer-term view. It would look at addressing the Council’s climate change objectives and transport inequalities. There would be wide consultation with communities to understand their views and aspirations. Nowhere are the short term or long term effects of the Brewery development mentioned or addressed.
Observations
The agenda for this Committee raises important questions.
There are nine councillors on the committee, but none from the wards of East Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes Common or South Richmond. The nearest local representative is Cllr Marjory Millum of the Barnes ward. That is nothing new where important local issues are considered.
Given the continuing lack of Council attention to the concerns of this Parish, and the lack of representation on this important Committee, those interested in the long term future of the community and the neighbourhood need to find a way to ensure that their interests are protected.
To access the detail of the Report see:
https://cabnet.richmond.gov.uk/documents/g500000316/Public%20reports%20pack%20Monday%2016-Sep-2024%2019.00%20Transport%20and%20Air%20Quality%20Committee.pdf?T=10
