Issue - meetings

Clock House, Kelsey & Eden Park and Petts Wood & Knoll wards

Report ES19096

The report summarised proposals to upgrade cycle parking at Clock House, Elmers End and Petts Wood Stations, funded by TfL’s Cycle Parking Implementation Plan.

The Transport Planning Manager advised the Committee that regarding the procurement implications, Southeastern was seeking Bromley’s agreement to proceed with a single tender instruction, given that in the past 18 months Southeastern had tendered programmes of similar schemes at a number of stations on their network. They therefore felt that they had market tested these type of works and saw no commercial necessity in repeating a similar process after such a short period.

The Committee noted that further roll out of the scheme would be dependent on TfL funding, but schemes would be rolled out all the while funding was available.  The Council would continue to lobby for additional funding.

A Member queried whether there was any secure compound available for short-term use.  The Transport Planning Manager explained that he was not aware of the offer of a weekly charge for the secure compound and this was something that could be further explored with Southeastern; however a secure area with CCTV was available for short-term use.

The Committee noted that the cost of the facility may be off-putting to some potential users.  Members did however also note that there were cyclists across the Borough, with expensive bicycles, who would welcome the secure facility.  The Transport Planning Manager agreed that take up could be slow but emphasised to the Committee that the intention was to build for the future and to allow for a growth in cycling.  As such the secure facility was needed in order to encourage more people to cycle.

In response to concerns raised by Members surrounding the ability for the Council to control price rises imposed by Southeastern, the Transport Planning Manager confirmed that officers were in regular dialogue with Southeastern and any proposed price increases would be monitored and if necessary, challenged.

Councillor Dunn, as Ward Member for Clock House, expressed support for the scheme noting that it was pleasing that some free to use bicycle stands was also being provided as this would also encourage people to cycle.

In bringing the discussion to a close, the Chairman noted the importance of ensuring that the correct procurement processes were adopted.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to -

(1) Approve the proposed cycle parking upgrades at Clock House Station, Elmers End Station and Petts Wood Station with minor amendment of designs delegated to the Director of Environment and Public Protection, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Services. 

(2) Approve the award of contract to Southeastern Railways, via an exemption to competitive tender for funding of £165k to complete the project at the three stations.