Minutes:
The LDF Manager presented the update. He reminded Councillors that they had been invited to a Stakeholders event in April where a short presentation had been given on the transport strategy. The presentation and notes from the event had been circulated to the Regeneration and Development Panel.
The Panel was provided with information on previous studies which had been conducted, statistics relating to journey types in King’s Lynn and the Local Plan. They were informed that patterns of travel would be investigated as part of the study as well as the frequency of bus services and congestion hotspots on the Highways network. The LDF Manager also highlighted that the town centre would grow in the future and additional housing would be developed within the town centre and on the fringes.
The LDF Manager explained that work on the study had commenced in January 2018 and involved:
- Data collection
- Transport modelling
- Identifying options and issues for testing
- Preparation of a draft preferred strategy which would be available early 2019.
The Panel was informed that consultation would be carried out as required and all the information was available to the public so that they could have an input. In terms of what role the Regeneration and Development Panel could play, they would have the opportunity at their next meeting to come up with ideas for potential model testing. A workshop session would be carried out and officers from Norfolk County Council and possibly the consultants working on the study would be present to answer questions and queries.
The LDF Manager provided an overview of some of the issues raised at the recent Stakeholders event relating to cycling, buses and the congestion in the town centre. He also explained that a Governance Group and an Officer Working Group had been established to oversee the study work.
The Portfolio Holder for Development, Councillor Blunt, informed the Panel that he was a Member of the Governance Group and was involved in the development of the strategy.
The Chairman thanked the LDF Manager for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.
Councillor Howland referred to a recent notice in the press about Hardings Way Bus route. It was clarified that the notice was to push back the bus gate north so that access to potential development sites was available.
Councillor Mrs Collingham raised concern about the reliability of buses, although she acknowledged that there was a transition of operators. She commented that it was important to have a reliable timetable to promote the use of public transport. Councillor Smith commented that some of the new operator’s buses were new, and therefore cleaner than before. He felt that the service would be improved once the new operation had bedded in.
Councillor Smith also commented that, because of the historic nature of the town centre, a lot of the routes in and out of town were narrow or restrictive. He hoped that work to relieve the choke points would be carried out. The LDF Manager explained that survey work had been carried out about origins and destinations of journeys, which would provide an understanding of traffic flows and issues. He explained that options would be tested and Members would have an opportunity to input at their next meeting.
Councillor Crofts commented that the main roads into King’s Lynn often could not cope. He felt that by opening up Hardings Way to traffic, some of the pressure could be alleviated. He acknowledged the concerns of residents and commented that there would have to be a balance. The LDF Manager explained that all options would be looked at as part of the study
Councillor Mrs Watson commented that the study also needed to consider journeys from the surrounding areas. She explained that if the villages were all serviced frequently by public transport more people may be encouraged to use it. She also made reference to the Hospital and how busy the car park was.
Councillor Mrs Fraser referred to park and ride and it was confirmed that this would also be looked at as part of the study.
In response to a question from Councillor Chenery of Horsbrugh, the LDF Manager explained that Air Quality would also be a consideration in the study.
The Chairman, Councillor Gidney commented that traffic lights should be brought back under local control. He also asked how Parish Councils could be involved in the study. The LDF Manager explained that the information was available on the website and anyone was able to make comments. More information on the consultation timetable would also be provided at the Panels next meeting.
The Chairman asked if it would be useful for the Panel to set up an Informal Working Group to look at transport. The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Blunt commented that it would be useful in the future for the Panel to have an input.
RESOLVED: The update was noted.