Agenda and minutes

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 at the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Cllr D Cohen, Cllr P Davey and Cllr J Walker. Cllr D Cohen was substituted by Cllr G Wilkinson, Cllr P Davey was substituted by Cllr R Grahame and Cllr J Walker was substituted by Cllr C Dobson.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September 2016.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on the 7^th September 2016 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides an overview of the progress made on the Leeds Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) road casualty reduction programmes and an update on road safety initiatives, including road safety schemes, education and promotion campaigns.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided the Scrutiny Board with an overview of the progress made with regard to Leeds Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) Road Casualty Reduction programmes. Updates on road safety initiatives, including road safety schemes, education and promotion campaigns were also provided.

The following information was appended to the report:

·  Appendix 1 – Road Safety Action Plan Update 2016

The following representatives were in attendance to respond to Members

queries and comments:

- Andrew Hall – Head of Transportation (City Development)

- Becky James – Team Leader, Road Safety

- Chief Inspector Mark Jessop – Protective Services, West Yorkshire  Police

- Inspector Nick Berry – Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police

- Cllr Richard Lewis - Executive Board Member, Regeneration

  Transport and Planning 

The key areas for discussion were:

·  The impact of the comprehensive spending review on road safety. The Board was advised that this has necessitated a change in the way that road policing is provided. Protective Services have upskilled existing officers so that they are roads policing qualified therefore working smarter with the units available. All officers including PCSO’s are involved in neighbourhood and traffic policing in varying degrees.

·  The funding invested since April 2015 through an initiative called Viper Plus. There will be additional investment in ANPR and additional officers, with who will have traffic skills from April 2017.

·  The use of pro laser speed gun technology and the operation of static speed cameras.  The Board were advised that pro laser is being used effectively and can read speed over a considerable distance. It records the speed at that moment rather than average speed. A replacement programme of static speed cameras is being undertaken where cameras are being replaced with digital technology.

·  Police focus on drivers under the influence of drink or drugs.

·  Concern regarding drivers still using mobiles despite the introduction of increased penalties. The Board was advised of an initiative in Bradford, the potential to use police staff and invest in new technology to enforce traffic law, that car design is removing the need for handset use and the need for a cultural change through education, enforcement and social intervention.

·  Concerns regarding the safety of cyclists due to the increase in activity in the city. The Board was advised of risk reduction through highways design, the education of cyclists and drivers, and the lessons that have been learned in London that could be applied in Leeds. Cycling training is not part of the school curriculum however cycling training is provided in schools in Leeds, usually in years 5 or 6.

·  Cycle superhighway information production and distribution.  The Board was advised of the range of provision for cyclists including advisory cycling lanes. On the A65 and A60 there are promotional initiatives to encourage drivers to take special care when turning.

·  The responsibility of the Highways Authority for highways design, which includes an interactive process with the police and other emergency services in planning processes. The Board was advised that where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To consider the report from West Yorkshire Combined Authority which updates the Scrutiny Board about the ongoing Bus Strategy Consultation and provides an opportunity for the Scrutiny Board to provide a response. The report also provides an outline of the Buses Bill and the opportunities this could facilitate once enacted.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority submitted a report which provided the Scrutiny Board with an update on the ongoing Bus Strategy consultation and provided the opportunity for the Board to provide a response. The report also provided an outline of the Buses Bill and the opportunities this could introduce once enacted.

The following information was appended to the report:

·  Appendix 1 – West Yorkshire Transport Strategy Summary

·  Appendix 2 – West Yorkshire Bus Strategy Summary

·  Appendix 3 – The Bus Services Bill and Overview, Department of Transport

·  Appendix 4 – Letter from WYCA Transport Committee to MP’s regarding the Bus Services Bill

·  Appendix 5 – Local Government Association briefing note on Bus Services Bill

·  Appendix 6 – UTG response to the Transport Select Committee

The following representatives were in attendance to respond to Members

queries and comments:

- Andrew Hall – Head of Transportation (City Development)

- Tom Gifford – Project Manager, WYCA

- Dave Pearson – Director of Transport Services, WYCA

- Cllr Richard Lewis  - Executive Board Member, Regeneration

  Transport and Planning

The key areas for discussion were:

·  The involvement of operators in the West Yorkshire Bus Strategy. This was progressed regardless of the Bus Bill to enable focus on issues that can be addressed with bus operators in a collaborative way.

·  Day to day bus service issues. The Board were advised that WYCA work with bus operators and Highways, looking at the corridors and routes that have the biggest problems with regard to punctuality and reliability. The Board was also advised of the work done to reduce congestion due to road works.

·  Consultation update and the demographic make-up of responses. The Board sought clarity on how young people are being engaged in the consultation. In response to the consultation the Board expressed their concerns about bus reliability, the lack of sanctions for bus companies and affordability due to the consistent rise in bus fares.

·  Fare structures for children and young people and the gradual decrease in patronage. 

·  The ability of the community to influence commercial bus routes and the subsidised services commissioned by WYCA.

·  Appendix 4, Letter from the Combined Authority to all Leeds City Region Members of Parliament. The Board sought clarity regarding any response from the MP’s to the concerns regarding franchising powers in the Bus Services Bill and the addition of  requirements or tests which could render the legislation useless.  It was confirmed that no response had been received. The Board acknowledged that further lobbying may be needed as the Bill in its current draft leaves the decision regarding franchising for authorities without an elected mayor to the secretary of state. This is a concern for a number of authorities not just West Yorkshire. The Scrutiny Board resolved to endorse the points made in appendix 4 and to support this by writing to MP’s.

·  Bus technologies and the need for greater investment in cleaner technologies.

RESOLVED – The Scrutiny Board:

a)  noted the information in the report of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, including the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To agree the Board’s work schedule for the 2016/17 municipal year.

A report was submitted by the Head of Governance Services and Scrutiny Support which detailed the Scrutiny Board’s draft work programme for the current municipal year.

The draft Scrutiny Board (City Development) work schedule for 2016/2017 and the Executive Board minutes for 21 September 2016 were appended to the report.

RESOLVED - The Scrutiny Board noted the content of the report and agreed the work program.

Wednesday 23 November 2016 at 10:30am (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 10am)

Wednesday, 23 November 2016 at 10:30am (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 10:00am)

The meeting concluded at 12:55pm