To receive a report updating the Committee on progress made in relation to improvements to the schools parking service, as requested at a previous meeting.

The Assistant Director for Highways delivered a report which set out progress to date on recommendations to improve school parking within the region. There had been a delay in implementing several recommendations due to staff vacancies however these had recently been recruited to and officers were confident that recommendations in relation to school travel planning could be implemented as a result. However, due to budget constraints a decision had been taken not to recruit additional enforcement officers, instead the directorate were exploring the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) vehicles outside of schools. Increased car use had been reported locally with a decrease in sustainable travel which was something the directorate were keen to address, bringing forward the timescale for reassessing the wider transport plan as a result.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           That the reintroduction of the school’s travel officer be welcomed in order to strengthen school liaison and ensure the compliance of school travel plans.

·           That the Committee consider receiving an annual report on school travel plans in order to monitor compliance.

·           That the recommendation in relation to the information leaflet to be distributed to schools and parents be amended to remove the wording ‘existing practice’ as it had not been until the task force recommended its production.

·           That it was a condition of all new school builds to have a valid travel plan in place.

·           The importance of engaging with school governors in relation to travel plans, particularly with regards to the health and safety of pupils.

·           That feedback from schools and parents with regards to parking solutions outside of schools would be welcome.

·           That in excess of 500 enforcement notices had been issued to parents outside of schools, with Members acknowledging the benefits of education in relation to safe parking practice, as well as enforcement action.

·           Concerns with regards to air quality outside of schools and the level of cars putting children’s health at risk.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee support the review and update of the authority’s Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy in preparation for Issue 4 of the Local Transport Plan.