Agenda item - Transport for The South East - Response to Consultation on Draft Transport Strategy

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

1)            That the Committee note the progress being made on supporting delivery of Transport for The South East’s Draft Transport Strategy

2)            That the Committee formally note the Consultation response set out in Appendix 1.

65.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that set out the progress being made on supporting delivery of Transport for The South East’s (TfSE) draft Transport Strategy and sought retrospective approval of the council’s formal response to the consultation on the draft Strategy.

65.2      Councillor West expressed his disappointment by the TfSE’s aim for carbon neutrality by 2050 that was unambitious, too late and at odds with the council’s own target. Councillor West stated his dissatisfaction that the TfSE was overly focussed on road schemes that was again, at odds with carbon neutrality targets. Councillor West stated that he could not endorse the response as it was to a flawed draft strategy.

65.3      The Assistant Director, City Transport explained that the strategy was focussed on regional movement and there was a strong emphasis on sustainability. Furthermore, the strategy did not fetter the ability of local authorities to set their own travel priorities.

65.4      Councillor West noted that active travel was not referenced at all in the draft strategy and there was a need to reduce and localise journeys.

65.5      Councillor Wares agreed with the concerns made and noted that there was a chance for officers to speak to the opposition spokespersons or brief them ahead of providing the response to the consultation.

65.6      The Chair proposed the following amendment to recommendation 2.2 as shown in bold italics and strikethrough:

2.2         That the Committee formally agree note the Consultation response set out in Appendix 1.

65.7      The Committee were in agreement with the proposal.

65.8      RESOLVED-

1)            That the Committee note the progress being made on supporting delivery of Transport for The South East’s Draft Transport Strategy

2)            That the Committee formally note the Consultation response set out in Appendix 1.