Issue - meetings

The committee received a presentation from the 20mph Project Officer. The presentation can be accessed via:

http://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD1142&ID=1142&RPID=42125508&sch=doc&cat=13282&path=13020%2c13021%2c13034%2c13282

Councillor Bird highlighted concern about the inclusion of many of the smaller closes and minor roads in the area. It was noted that the Laxton Way Estate was currently only 10mph.

In response to a question regarding the possibility of longer bus journeys, Councillor Ward (Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change) confirmed that the Director of Bus Services currently sat on the Project Board and would be looking at the various implications of a 20mph zone.  

In response to a question regarding enforcement the Police Inspector responded that it was hoped that a 20mph zone would be self-enforcing. However suitable interventions would be available in areas of particular risk and the police would consider enforcement.

In response to a question regarding the process if the North Area Committee did not support the decision to proceed with the consultation, Councillor Ward confirmed that the County Council did have the power of veto. However the County Council had committed not to progressing with the traffic regulation orders if there was not public support.

In response to a question regarding how the consultation responses would weighted, Councillor Ward confirmed that no pre-calculated scoring scheme was in place and it would be up to the committee to make a judgement.

The committee resolved to:

       i.          Note the project programme, previous approvals from Environment Scrutiny Committee and proposed consultation area, method and content for Phase 1

Based on the discussion with the public at the meeting:

     ii.          Provide the following comments and recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate change (Councillor Tim Ward) on the proposed consultation arrangements.

-        Highlight ‘20mph Consultation’ on the envelope.

-        Within the consultation information include web-links to specific background data such as up to date emission figures.

-        Include the guided bus route and the proposed new Chesterton Station on the consultation maps.

-        Promote a ‘prize draw’ to encourage public to respond to the consultation

-        Whilst there is a need to provide enough relevant background information, limit the wording on the consultation information.

-        Make it clear from the paperwork ‘who’ is being consulted i.e ‘we are looking for specific views from……’

-        Consider sending the information to everyone on the electoral register and not just 1 per house – as there may be differing views within each household.