Agenda item

The City Transport Director submits a report to the Commission on the proposed transport capital works programme for the 2027 – 2028 financial year. The report details the Local Transport Grant, its requirements and aims make Members of the Commission aware of forthcoming opportunities to refresh ward priorities and feed into the programme

The City Transport Director submitted a report to the Commission on the proposed transport capital works programme for the 2027 – 2028 financial year. The report details the Local Transport Grant, its requirements and aims make Members of the Commission aware of forthcoming opportunities to refresh ward priorities and feed into the programme.

In addition to the slides as attached with the agenda pack, other key points included:

• The scheme involved a significant amount of money across the city and there had been lots of investment in works across the city and in the neighbourhoods.
• Other surfacing works would take place, but the ones on the slide were the ones that had been identified at this time.
• Reactive maintenance took place to bring standards up.
• Every project needed to show to be beneficial.

In response to member questions and discussion, the following was noted:

• It was clarified that the £6.3m was only a capital allocation, although there was a revenue allocation that had been used for student and flexi fares.
• In response to a query on the pedestrian crossing on the junction between Welford Road and University Road, it was clarified that local people and the university had asked that a pedestrian phase be installed on University Road.  It was further explained that in any schemes with traffic signals, area traffic control was worked with so people could cross where and when they needed to whilst still ensuring movement for vehicles.
• It was explained that many streets in the Cultural Quarter still needed maintenance on their surfaces.  The plan for this could be shared with the Commission nearer the time.
• In response to a query on the costs surrounding the Beaumont Leys temporary scheme, it was acknowledged that costs could be extensive for such schemes, but the council were keen to deliver a solution that tied in with existing infrastructure.  There were lots of active travel schemes, and resources were better directed to high-quality schemes designed to be of considerable value.
• In response to further comments on the Beaumont Leys temporary scheme, it was reported that it was currently in the very early stages.  A topographical survey had been requested, and this would determine what could be done and how.  Concept work and preliminary work would then be carried out, and Councillors would be worked with on what could be taken forward.  Many variables still needed to be worked through, but a more detailed discussion could be had once more information was available.
• Responding to a query on parking in the Beamont Leys scheme, it was too early to discuss specifics, but it was acknowledged that there was a level of parking and this would look to be retained as much as possible whilst staying safe.
• Reports form the public informed the Council on where road maintenance was needed.  Additionally, there was a routine maintenance programme that was assessed on standards, and intervention would be made if needed.  Work was undertaken when issues were raised and concerns raised through the Love Leicester process were triaged.
• In response to further queries on the crossing at the Welford Road/University Road junction, it was noted that area traffic control was still being worked with, if it was a pedestrian phase, traffic would only be interrupted when people needed to cross.  It was necessary to look at how it operated with the network.   Both University Road and Welford road were seen as key for movement.
• The differences between the surfacing on Aylestone Road and University Road could be looked at.
• Information on carbon emissions form the works could be provided to the Commission upon request.
• In response to a request for information on cargo bikes, it was explained that the Council maintained a small fleet that were mostly available to officers for use as book-bikes or for transporting material for cycling initiatives.  Costs must be taken into account.  Ways to track them would be looked into.  Further information could be provided to the commission upon request.
• It was clarified that bollards at bus stops were intended to prevent vehicles overtaking buses and preventing collisions.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.