Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies had been received.

Councillor Scott Payter-Harris declared a non-prejudicial interest: he is the Chair of the Licensing Committee.

The purpose of this report is to consider the public response to the proposed new KE Pembroke Park area residents' parking zone, in the context of the Programme of Consultation on Residents' Parking.

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approves the proposed KE Pembroke Park area parking zone under TRO35/2022, and it is implemented as advertised.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation approved the proposed KE Pembroke Park area parking zone under TRO35/2022 and it is implemented as advertised.

Kevin Mckee, Parking Operations Manager introduced the report.

Seven written deputations had been received.

Councillor Mark Jeffery made a deputation on behalf of his ward colleagues and numerous residents in Pembroke Park in favour of the recommendations.

Councillor Payter-Harris noted that the majority of the residents were in favour of the recommendation and the Ministry of Defence issue was addressed in the report.

Councillor Graham Heaney commented that it was down to the MOD to decide how to enforce parking around its properties and that the issue would resolve itself. 

In response to a question from Councillor Stagg, Kevin McKee explained that some non-residents were parking there for a day to visit the beach and others for weeks when they take the ferry to the Isle of Wight.  The 8am - 8pm permit holders only restriction would stop both short and long-term visitors. 

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation approved the proposed KE Pembroke Park area parking zone under TRO35/2022 and it is implemented as advertised.

Following the update on Solent Future Transport Zone provided at Traffic and Transportation Cabinet Meeting in October 2020, this report provides further information to enable Portsmouth City Council to progress to launch a bike share rental scheme in summer 2022, funded through the Solent Future Transport Zone (FTZ).

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation:

(i)             Notes the progress made in developing a bike share rental scheme; and

(ii)           Approves Portsmouth City Council launching a bike share rental scheme this summer 2022, operated by Beryl, as Portsmouth’s sole bike share rental operator for the contract’s initial term until 30th June 2024, pursuant to a call-off contract under the Framework Agreement for the Provision of Shared Bike Rental and Associated Micromobility Services - Solent Region.

DECISIONS

Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

1.    Noted the progress made in developing a bike share rental scheme and

2.    Approved Portsmouth City Council launching a bike share rental scheme this Summer 2022, operated by Beryl, as Portsmouth's sole bike share rental operator for the contract's initial term until 30 June 2024, pursuant to a call-off contract under the Framework Agreement for the Provision of Shared Bike Rental and Associated Micromobility Services - Solent Region.

Gareth James, Future Transport Zones (FTZ) Project Manager introduced the report and in response to questions explained that the provisional prices for pay as you ride price bundles would be for bicycles £1 unlock fee with 5p/ minute hire and for e-bicycles £1.50 unlock fee with 10p/ minute hire. 

It is hoped that the scheme would start in late August or September.  The sites have been identified and the list will be taken through the officers' group, the FTZ Board and out to consultation.

The process for identifying sites would be much the same as for scooters.

Cycling safety is as paramount to Beryl as it is to the council, and he is sure that they would be happy to promote the council's near-miss tool if they do not have their own.  If they do have their own, the council will ensure that all the information comes together. 

A core part of the tender was that the provider must share all the data (anonymised) so that transport planning colleagues can use it to help with safety, parking provision etc.  The information gathered will look at many things that could contribute to an increase in cycling e.g. the number of users who did not cycle prior to hiring a bicycle, those who have their own bike but also hire one for travel. However, it will not necessarily establish a direct link

It is paramount for the council and Solent Transport that the scheme can continue after the trial.  The first two years for a bike share provider are often hard because of the set-up costs.  The council is committed to ensuring that the business model is sustainable. 

A Voi e-scooter rental costs £1 to unlock with 20p/ minute to hire.  An e-bike is broadly similar, whereas pedal bicycles are cheaper.

Beryl will provide training on similar lines as Voi.  The university is keen to have training for its students, particularly freshers.  As soon as details are available, they will be shared.

Helmets are not mandatory but will be strongly recommended and encouraged.  Free helmets will be given away at events.  Beryl will work with the council's communication team and Solent Transport regarding media campaigns to remind people to wear helmets and be visible.  They want to make it as safe as possible for users and non-users.

Feedback is always welcome from stakeholders, especially the Portsmouth Cycle Forum.

Beryl won the tenders to operate in all three areas across the Solent: Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight.

Councillor Scott Payter-Harris was happy that there will be joint docking stations to provide people with a choice of transport.  He noted that the data collected on which methods prove more popular in different areas could shape the transport strategy.

Councillor Lynne Stagg was pleased to note that there will be docking stations which are more suitable for the city's narrow roads.

DECISIONS
Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

1.    Noted the progress made in developing a bike share rental scheme and

2.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the changes to the Private Hire Vehicles in bus lanes trial following the decisions taken by the Traffic & Transportation Committee on the 13 December 2021. The report details the changes and the justifications for these amendments.

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation:

(i)             Approves a trial to allow access for Portsmouth City Council Licensed Private Hire Vehicles to use a limited number of five bus lanes in Portsmouth for a minimum of 3 months including;

Cavell Drive,

Marketway,

Mile End Road,

Bishop Crispian Way,

and Queen Street.

(ii)           Has delegated authority to immediately cease any or all of the five trial locations if safety issues become apparent;

(iii)         Delegates authority to the Director of Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation and the Section 151 Officer to release funding to undertake the monitoring and evaluation of this trial as the details are developed, this will be funded from the Parking Reserve;

(iv)         Notes that consultation and engagement will continue with the Licensing Committee and working group as the trial develops;

(v)           Notes that a report will be brought back to Traffic & Transportation within 6 months of the trial launch to provide an update on the trial progression and next steps.

DECISIONS

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

(i)             Approved a trial to allow access for Portsmouth City Council Licensed Private Hire Vehicles to use a limited number of five bus lanes in Portsmouth for a minimum of 3 months including;

·       Cavell Drive,

·       Marketway,

·       Mile End Road,

·       Bishop Crispian Way,

·       And Queen Street.

(ii)           Has delegated authority to immediately cease any or all of the five trial locations if safety issues become apparent;

(iii)         Delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation and the Section 151 Officer to release funding to undertake the monitoring and evaluation of this trial as the details are developed, this will be funded from the Parking Reserve;

(iv)         Noted that consultation and engagement will continue with the Licensing Committee and working group as the trial develops;

(v)           Noted that a report will be brought back to Traffic & Transportation within 6 months of the trial launch to provide an update on the trial progression and next steps.

Councillor Lynne Stagg moved this item to the start of the agenda.

She agreed to accept some written information from Mike Dobson which was in addition to his verbal deputation on this agenda item.  The start of the meeting was delayed by ten minutes to allow Councillors and officers the time to read the papers.

Paul Darlow, Traffic & Network Manager introduced the report.

Peter Sutherland and Mike Dobson gave deputations against the recommendations.

Councillor Lynne Stagg noted that a written deputation from Cycle Gosport against the recommendations had been submitted.

In response to questions from Councillors, Felicity Tidbury, Acting Assistant Director, Regeneration and Liam Norman, title?, Paul Darlow, Traffic & Network Manager, Denise Bastow Office Manager, Parking, Erica Styles Engagement Officer, Michelle Love Safer Travel Manager and Nickii Humphreys, Licensing Manager clarified the following points:

Consultation was carried out with shareholders at the appropriate points in order to formulate the recommendations.  The team liaised with the bus trade and Aqua to seek their agreement to provide data so that the council can monitor the trial.

Shareholder engagement was always planned after this meeting, once decisions have been made on the proposals so that they could engage with proposals that are less likely to change.

The team has tried its best to look into the safety concerns that had been raised and reviewed comments that had been submitted previously.   

All the bus lanes in the city were looked at and those with monitoring equipment initially selected.  Their accident data and road speed were then considered to try to avoid accident hotspots in the city.  One was removed from the shortlist because of potential confusion due to unloading and loading which would have made it difficult for the team to monitor the trial as planned.  This left the five bus lanes that have been proposed in the report.

The bus lane in Winston Churchill Avenue and the north bound lane in Hilsea from the Coach & Horses to the Hilsea roundabout were discounted because they do not have available monitoring infrastructure.  Winston Churchill Avenue did have an enforcement camera but it is proposed that it be moved.

Following the decision that was made on 13 December 2021 the team wrote to all the Highways Authorities asking whether they allowed private hire vehicles in their bus lanes.  Two responded; Reading Borough Council undertook a trial in 2013 but the bus travel time savings and reliability benefits affected the use of the bus lane and therefore the private hire vehicles (PHVs) were removed.  However, subsequently they have allowed a limited number of bus lanes to be used.

Southampton City Council and Brighton & Hove both allow PHVs to use bus lanes.

Hampshire County Council and West Sussex County Council do not allow PHVs to use any of their bus lanes.

The key performance indicators that will be used are:

·       Accident data provided monthly by Hampshire Constabulary. 

·       Information from the bus service companies before and during the trial. 

·       The journey times on routes.

·       Junction performance.

·       The number  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.