Decision details

To approve the action plan developed from the recommendations in the city centre accessibility review.

Matter for Decision

In 2014 a review was commissioned to gain a fuller understanding of the issues affecting ease of access in and around the city centre for a range of users but particularly pedestrians, disabled and wheelchair users. The review report was considered at the March 2015 Community Services Scrutiny Committee and the next step in this process was to develop a plan to support action on the conclusions of the review, to maximise the effectiveness of existing actions by partners and to inform future investment decisions that impact upon the accessibility of the city centre such as City Deal and other initiatives. The Officer’s report set out the action plan and suggested next steps.

Decision of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

       i.          Agreed the action plan as set out in Appendix A of the Officer’s report, the identified future stages and timetable for implementation.

     ii.          Asked officers to provide a progress report for Community Services Scrutiny Committee in early 2016.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Planning Services.

The Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places said January 2016 was the deadline for action in the City Centre Accessibility Review Action Plan such as removal of inappropriately located ‘A’ boards. She hoped owners would have voluntarily removed the ‘A’ boards before then, if not, Officers would take enforcement action.

Councillor Bird made the following comments in response to the Officer’s report:

         i.          Welcomed working with the Cambridge Cycling Campaign.

       ii.          Asked that an appropriate typeface and format was used for the Accessibility Review Action Plan. As this was an access strategy, it should be readable/accessible for all.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.