Agenda item

To consider the attached report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development for Members to consider the need for a sustainable transport policy for young people and the possibility of undertaking an inquiry on this issue later in the year.  Also attached is the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Chief Executive, Education Leeds to be considered at the Executive Board on 8^th October 2008.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report attaching the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Chief Executive, Education Leeds and the draft Leeds Sustainable Education Travel Strategy which had been considered at the Executive Board on 8^th October.  The report had been included on the agenda in response to the possibility of the Board considering undertaking an inquiry into the need for a sustainable transport policy for young people.

Members had been advised that the joint report had been approved by the Executive Board on 8^th October 2008 when it had been resolved:

(a)  That the adoption and publication of the Leeds Sustainable Education Travel Strategy be approved.

(b)  That approval be given for the development of a Children’s Services School Transport Policy and to the intention to integrate this with the Leeds Sustainable Education Travel Strategy by September 2010.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting to present the report Ray Hill, Team Leader, Smarter Choices, City Development and Allan Hudson, Transport Services Manager, Education Leeds.

In brief summary the following issues were discussed:

·  The support structure for the Walking bus initiative – Members were advised of the schemes to encourage schools to maintain this initiative but that it was ultimately the responsibility of the schools and parents to maintain this facility.

·  The accuracy of the data which indicated that 25% of journeys to school were made by car – Officers advised that this was comparable with other core cities.  Data was collected through school censuses but they were not compulsory for schools to fill in.  Work was being carried out to improve returns.

·   Supervision of young people on school buses – Officers confirmed that there was no statutory requirement to provide such supervision out of school hours and this was a consideration when parents were deciding whether to take their children to school by car.  School trips were supervised.

·   Three practical activities to promote sustainable travel behaviour in schools – The Smarter Choices Team Leader listed these as:

1.  Continue the programme of providing cycle routes to schools.

2.  Continuation of pedestrian training and walking initiatives such as the Walking bus project.

3.  Continue the promotion of the National Walk to School month.

·  Targets in the School Travel Plan – Officers advised that the first target to maintain car modal share to school at its current level was included in the School Travel Plan.  Second targets would be set by schools individually.

·  School Travel Plans – Officers confirmed that there was no compulsion at present on schools to provide travel plans although 70% of schools now have them.  Officers agreed to provide all Members of the Council with information on the schools in their Ward which did not have an approved travel plan.  Officers also agreed to provide Members of the Board with the template that was provided to schools to create a travel plan.

·  The possible use of Shopabuses by schools – Members were advised that Shopabuses were run by private businesses and did not have all the necessary safety facilities required for school children.  Metro however was looking at dual use vehicles.

·  School trips and Mybus – Officers advised that Mybuses were available for private hire to schools and any other youth activity.  As they were dedicated as school vehicles, they had the advantages of CCTV, seatbelts and CRB checked drivers.

·  Cycle routes to school – Officers advised that funding was currently being sought to improve core cycle routes and the Department would seek to build in local links to schools.

The Chair thanked Officers for their attendance and stated that a follow up report might be requested in a year’s time.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Chief Executive, Education Leeds and the draft Sustainable Education Travel Strategy be noted.

(b)  That all Members of the Council be provided with information on the schools in their Ward which did not yet have approved travel plans.

(c)  That Officers provide Members of the Board with the template that was provided to schools to create travel plans.