Issue - items at meetings - Transport Model presentation

Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 April 2011 (copy attached).

2.1             RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2011 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet notes the progress made in developing the new transport model for the city.

221.1          The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning development of a new computer-based transport model for the city to provide a consistent and accurate basis on which to assess the potential effects of changes to road layouts, changes in policy approaches and the wider implications of major transport projects or development proposals.

221.2          The Cabinet received a presentation of the new transport model from the Lead Commissioner for City Regulation & Infrastructure (see Appendix 1) who explained the following:

§         The transport model was a computer-based tool that made it possible to see proposed changes and evaluate their impact in order to make better informed decisions.

§         Detailed data was fed into the model to give an accurate representation of the city’s road network and movement of traffic at different times.

§         The council had purchased one of the newest models available in the UK, which met the latest Department for Transport specification.

§         The model divided the city into zones and data had been captured throughout the city and from Worthing, to London and to Newhaven.

§         Significant time had been spent on inputting robust data; the strategic model had been built and would drive the detailed visual model that would focus on specific areas.

§         To keep costs down a significant amount of existing data had been used. New data had been collected through an unprecedented amount of interviews, surveys and traffic counts and the data would have to be updated as changes occurred in the city.

§         The model provided tabular statistical outputs, diagrams and maps.

§         The base year model would be completed by May 2011 after which it could begin being used to assist with both short and long-term planning by assessing citywide and localised effects of proposals and developments.

221.3          Opposition Members welcomed the model and the opportunities it presented, including the possibility of charging developers to use it.

221.4          In response to questions from Councillor Randall, the Lead Commissioner advised that a protocol would be developed to include use of the tool in the planning process and it was hoped that it would encourage developers to come to the city. He confirmed that cost of the model and associated work was £500,000, but that the council would be able to make money back by charging external organisations to use it, which would also assist in the maintenance of the data.

221.5          The Chairman thanked the officers involved in developing the model and noted the exciting potential in held for the city.

221.6          RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That the progress made in developing the new transport model for the city be noted.