Issue - meetings
North South Active Travel Route in Southport – Next Steps
Meeting: 19/02/2024 - Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) (Item 42)
42 North South Active Travel Route in Southport – Next Steps 
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Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer
Additional documents:
- Enc. 1 for North South Active Travel Route in Southport – Next Steps, item 42
PDF 3 MB
- Enc. 2 for North South Active Travel Route in Southport – Next Steps, item 42
PDF 192 KB
Minutes:
The Committee considered (a) the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer, which set out the decision of the Cabinet Member – Locality Services in relation to the North South Active Travel Route in Southport – Next Steps and the reasons why the decision had been called-in; and (b) the report of the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) which was considered by the Cabinet Member – Locality Services in relation to this matter.
The decision taken by the Cabinet Member – Locality Services on 11 January 2024 in relation to this matter was as follows:
Decision Made:
That
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(1) |
the retention of the current Southport route be approved;
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(2) |
the progression of the further work identified within the report to explore short, medium, and longer-term improvements to the route, including better incorporating active travel provision within wider public realm improvements within the town centre be supported;
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(3) |
the commissioning by the Assistant Director of Place (Highways and Public Protection) of a Stage 4 Road Safety Audit for the routes be approved, and implementation of any minor modifications recommended;
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(4) |
an application to the Secretary of State for an extension of the current Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, to allow the period of consultation and consideration relating to a permanent Traffic Regulation Order to be completed, be supported; and
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(5) |
the process for advertising Permanent Traffic Regulation Order as set out in the Report be approved. |
Reason for Decision:
Cabinet Member had previously approved the scheme noting that they would be delivered using Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) and be subject to monitoring and evaluation prior to any decision over whether they be retained as permanent. The current TTRO expires in early 2024 and therefore it is appropriate to now determine whether the scheme is retained, modified or removed, in order to enable the formal consultation process associated with any permanent TRO to be undertaken.
Should Cabinet Member accept the recommendations identified above, then resources can be allocated to progressing the further actions identified and included within the development of a Pipeline of projects to help inform the City Region Combined Authority in their bid for future funding.
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Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
The option of removing the scheme in its entirety has been considered. This option has not been recommended as the data captured shows substantial use of the facility by cyclists since implementation, and very substantial numbers of pedestrians and motor vehicles, supporting the need for safe, and attractive provision for people walking, cycling and wheeling, as well as those driving motor vehicles within our town centres. The report also demonstrates a strong link to national, regional and local strategy objectives.
It is acknowledged that some improvements could be made, further improving safety, attractiveness and addressing some of the issues raised. Proposed actions are set out in the report, but these will take time and funding to develop and deliver. As such it is considered sensible to retain the scheme in its current form whilst these ... view the full minutes text for item 42 |