Report ES18060

L B Bromley’s third Local Implementation Plan (LIP3) covers the period 2019/20 to 2021/22. It includes delivery proposals, targets, and outcomes the borough is seeking to achieve - identifying how L B Bromley will seek to work in a locally appropriate manner to achieve the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) objectives of:

·  Healthy Streets and healthy people;

·  A good public transport experience; and

·  New homes and jobs.

The LIP3 document also refers to longer term aspirations believed necessary to achieve MTS outcomes by 2041.

In discussion, a number of comments were made supporting the LIP3 document. Questions were also asked and views outlined.

For Bromley North, further transport is needed to match the level of residential population and officers are lobbying TfL to refresh a Bromley/Canary Wharf route option during a period of significant TfL innovation. 

Noting potential for a limited stop bus corridor between Beckenham and Bexleyheath (connecting to the tram network at Beckenham Junction), a Member highlighted that the 269 service already provides a route from Bexleyheath to Bromley. Concerning any interchange with the Elizabeth Line at Abbey Wood, the Member also suggested that a Bromley to Woolwich/ Silvertown tunnel route might be preferable. Nevertheless, officers supported a fast Beckenham/Bexleyheath service along with other bus measures in gaps where it is not possible for rail to deliver.

Reference was also made to the potential for express buses to Biggin Hill (as a Strategic Outer London Development Centre) to help improve bus service reliability, including improved service provision at Bank Holidays/weekends. Express buses will also help to promote tourism (e.g. to the new Biggin Hill Memorial Museum) but it will first be necessary to reduce congestion at Keston Mark junction. To this end, measures are being considered for a scheme to address the problem. 

A Member congratulated officers for the LIP document.  A further report can be presented to the Committee following public consultation but with a deadline to submit the document, officers needed time to review and comment on draft LIPs from other nearby boroughs (it was necessary to attract residents from other boroughs into Bromley).

As Chairman of the Bromley Health and Wellbeing Board, the Vice-Chairman commended the health contributions in the draft LIP document. The Chairman also indicated that delivery of the LIP3 intentions will provide a radical shift in transport. Roads are becoming congested and it is necessary to attract residents from cars to other transport modes. The Chairman was excited on what the document offered and hoped that stakeholders will comment on the Plan during consultation; he thanked the Senior Transport Planner for his work. Another Member also offered his thanks for the hard work in producing the document.

Concerning congestion adversely affecting bus reliability, technology measures, such as bus priority at traffic lights, are included in some schemes. On new school bus routes to support fewer school run trips it is easier to fit new routes in with TfL route scheduling. A good orbital network for bus routes is also needed. 

The Chairman referred to a table in the LIP3 document assessing risks for the three-year programme. On risks from political opposition to projects and political opposition impacting on the quality of infrastructure delivered, early Member consultation was highlighted (particularly with Ward Members) to reduce the risks. With increased programme/project costs another risk, accurate costing is necessary. Additionally, more confidence of Member contentment with a scheme and its costs will also help to achieve a better cost at an earlier stage. The Chairman had seen some good examples of consultation at local level and referred to the Sustrans consultation on proposals at Shortlands - he felt that such early consultation is necessary to lead to success.

Concerning a lack of bus services for the young and elderly from areas bordering Kent e.g. Pratts Bottom or Knockholt (and students in such areas being unable to access Bromley schools by bus), the high cost of running services in those locations can be reduced through innovation and technology e.g. Demand Responsive services and in the longer term Autonomous Vehicle Technology, which the Borough is already engaged in as referred to in the LIP. Officers have been engaged with TfL on the bus network in the borough and will continue to do so. 

In concluding, the Chairman supported a further report to the Committee post-consultation and Members supported the recommendations to the Portfolio Holder. This included a further recommendation that the Portfolio Holder approve submission of the 2019/20 LIP spending plan to TfL.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

(1) approve the LIP3 document for public consultation starting on

2^nd November 2018;

(2)  delegate amendments to the document post-consultation to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Services; and

(3)  approve submission of the 2019/20 LIP spending plan to TfL.