Minutes:
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Claire Dollman, from Norfolk County Council gave a presentation to the Panel.
The Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel.
The Chair referred to page 88 and asked which part of the A149 was being referred to and Ian Parkes from Norfolk County Council advised this was in relation to the road from Knights Hill to Hardwick.
The Chair referred to page 89 and the E-Scooter Scheme and expressed he did not support the scheme as illegal E-Scooters were causing chaos and legal scooters were being dumped on the boundaries of where they were rented out. He questioned how this was to be encouraged.
Ian Parkes explained the E-Scooter scheme was successful in Norwich. He further added, scooters part of this scheme were legal however scooters privately owned were not. He commented this scheme contributed to active travel.
The Chair questioned if Sandringham events could be included in strategy and the Borough Council be included as the 2nd largest employer in the area.
Councillor Bubb raised concerns regarding the ferry and the accessibility. He suggested ramps be installed both sides to provide further accessibility as the King’s Lynn Ferry was a significant mode of transport for the area.
In response from a question from Councillor Ryves, Claire Dollman advised the consultation included the full list which could be found at the end of the strategy document.
In response to a further question from Councillor Ryves, Ian Parkes explained there was data available on the usage of the ferry and highlighted it was not used as much since the pandemic.
Councillor Bone commented there was a need for more public transport and
questioned if NORA active travel hub could be used as park and ride with Harding’s Way used for buses to reduce congestion. He added a bus lane along Hardwick Road would increase congestion however a train station to the South of King’s Lynn would improve the traffic coming into King’s Lynn and the train line to Norwich could be reinstated.
Claire Dollman explained a feasibility study on the railway was needed to determine passenger demand. She added there had been infrastructure built over the train line to Norwich from King’s Lynn.
Councillor Collingham echoed the comments made my Councillor Bone and explained it was currently a wish list with no funding and hoped Local Government Reorganisation would promote King’s Lynn and a travel hub system.
Councillor Blunt commented the Borough Council were not in control and questioned the decision made to change the speed limit near the pullover roundabout.
Ian Parkes explained funding would be sought from the new Mayor following Devolution. He added the aim was to provide infrastructure for King’s Lynn and the five strategic highway schemes were localised projects.
Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Long raised concern relating to E-Bikes and E-Scooter and he had requested a report in relation to the safety of E-Scooters around Norwich. He commented further there were demands for Rail infrastructure south of King’s Lynn to prevent congestion.
The Chair agreed with Councillor Long’s comments regarding E-Scooters, thanked officers for the report and encouraged members contributions to the strategy.
RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update
Supporting documents: