Agenda item

An update will be provided to the Panel.

More information is available at https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20010/regeneration/696/kings_lynn_transport_study

King’s Lynn Transport Study Documents are available to view at https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/downloads/download/768/kings_lynn_transport_study_documents

The LDF Manager and Environmental Health Manager provided an update on the King’s Lynn Transport Study (as attached).

It was explained that the Stage 2 document had now been published which detailed the outcome of the options appraisal.  Schemes would now be broken into short, medium and long term interventions and Stage 3 work would include creation of a strategy for the area. 

A further update would be provided to the Panel once the Stage 3 work had been completed, prior to its submission to Cabinet.

The Chair thanked officers for their presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.  She commented that she felt that the report was difficult to digest and she was unclear on the proposals.

Councillor Bambridge commented that resident only parking for the Friars should be considered and that school start and finish times across King’s Lynn should be staggered to relieve congestion.  Councillor Bambridge also commented that interventions on the bus network may not be possible as they were privately operated.

Councillor de Whalley asked how the plan would contribute towards the 2050 zero carbon emissions commitment.  He also asked why Stage 2 had not been subject to public consultation and that there was little mention of off road cycle lanes within the report.

The Cabinet Member for Project Delivery, Councillor Gidney, commented that the report needed a simplified analysis, broken down into traffic types, issues prioritised and then delivery systems could be looked at.  He also stated that there was no mention of automated traffic lights in the report. 

The LDF Manager explained that the Stage 2 document included the options which were feasible and Stage 3 would look at them in more detail.  He explained that Appendix H of the report mentioned cycle routes, buses and automated traffic signals.  Interventions did include the bus network infrastructure.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and stated that the Council’s priority should be Climate Change and that the Hardings Way bus lane should not be opened up to traffic because travel by bus, cycle and walking should be encouraged.  She gave merit to the suggestions for park and ride facilities at Clenchwarton and encouraged use of the Ferry which was also a form of park and ride.  She stated that the Council needed to rule out the idea of allowing traffic on Hardings Way.

Councillor Ryves addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  In response to a question from Councillor Ryves, it was confirmed that the provision of electric charging points was included in the report.  He also asked if consideration would be given to car parking offers in line with the potential new cinema at the Corn Exchange.  The Environmental Health Manager explained that a Car Parking Strategy was being produced which would look at this.

The Leader, Councillor Long, explained that this study had been long awaited.  He explained that Norfolk County Council had a Transport Committee, but there had not been much investment in King’s Lynn. 

The Portfolio Holder for Development, Councillor Blunt, commented that the Study was still a work in progress and the Strategy would be produced and presented to the Panel once ready.

In response to a question from the Chair it was confirmed that Park and Ride was still in the list of potential schemes.

RESOLVED: The update was noted.