Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

The Board received the following supplementary information in relation to agenda item 7, Road casualty reduction and 20mph speed limits in Leeds:

·  Updated information submitted by West Yorkshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire (Minute no. 22 refers)

The above information was not available at the time of agenda despatch, but was subsequently made available on the Council’s website.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared to the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

An apology for absence was submitted by Councillor J Walker.  Notification was received that Councillor M Harland was substituting for Councillor J Walker.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2015.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2015 be approved as a correct record.

To receive reports from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development and Director of City Development regarding Road Casualty Reduction and 20mph Speed Limits in Leeds

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which presented information in relation to the Board’s review of road casualty reduction and 20mph speed limits in Leeds.

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Extract from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Plan 2013-18 in relation to road safety

-  Extract from the Draft Annual Report 2014/15 of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire

-  Report and supporting information to Scrutiny Board (City Development) in relation to road casualty reduction and initiatives

-  Previous reports and minutes to Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) regarding 20mph speed limits in Leeds held on 18 November 2014 and 17 March 2015.

The following representatives were in attendance:

-  Councillor Mark Dobson, Executive Member (Environmental Protection and Community Safety)

-  Councillor Gerry Harper, Deputy Executive Member (Regeneration, Transport and Planning)

-  Councillor Kim Groves (Chair of former Scrutiny Board (Sustainable Economy and Culture) which undertook an inquiry into the provision of 20mph speed limits in Leeds

-  Christopher Slade, 20’s Plenty for Us

-  Inspector Nick Berry, Safer Leeds / West Yorkshire Police

-  Andrew Hall, Head of Transportation, City Development

-  Becky James, Team Leader (Road Safety), City Development.

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Following concern that killed and seriously injured (KSI) statistics were higher than target, the Board was advised that road injuries and fatalities in Leeds were previously at an all-time low, however the half year figure for 2015 showed an increase when compared to last year.  The majority of casualties occurred on busy roads.  An increase in people cycling had resulted in more cycling casualties.

·  The development of 20mph zones, particularly targeting areas close to schools.

·  The review and refresh of the Leeds Safer Roads action plan as part of the Single Transport Plan.

·  Raising awareness and education in schools, especially in terms of tackling pedestrian safety. The Board was advised that education programmes continued to be rolled out across the city.  Approximately 250 schools had signed up to 20mph programme and 7,000 children had signed up to bikeability cycle training.

·  Acknowledgement regarding the importance of focusing on education and modification of driver behaviour, but also the clear need for robust enforcement to tackle the minority of reckless drivers.

·  The need for greater enforcement of 20mph zones and introduction of tougher penalties for speeding. The Board was advised that 20mph zones should be self-policing through the use of traffic calming measures in addition to speed restriction signs.

·  Clarification regarding the process for commissioning 20mph zones.

·  The various approaches implemented in other parts of the UK and their effectiveness.  The consideration of the approach and cost to identify whether a blanket or targeted strategy to the implementation of 20mph zones should be supported by the Scrutiny Board.

·  The role of Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) and the need for greater consistency across the city.

·  Confirmation that speed indicator devices (SIDs) were available for loan-outs to NPTs, Ward Members and local neighbourhood groups.

·  An update  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which sets out the draft terms of reference for the scrutiny inquiry into the Bus Service Provision for Leeds.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which presented draft terms of reference for the Board’s inquiry into Bus Service Provision.

RESOLVED – That the Board approves the terms of reference for the Board’s inquiry into Bus Service Provision.

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which sets out the draft terms of reference for the scrutiny inquiry into Digital Inclusion.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which presented draft terms of reference for the Board’s inquiry into Digital Inclusion.

RESOLVED – That the Board approves the terms of reference for the Board’s inquiry into Bus Service Provision.

To receive a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development which details the draft work programme for the municipal year.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which invited Members to consider the Board’s work schedule for the 2015/16 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the work schedule be approved.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015 at 10.30am (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 10.00am)

Wednesday, 14 October 2015 at 10.30am (pre meeting for all Board Members at 10.00am)

(The meeting concluded at 12.25pm.)