Agenda item

In June 2012, the County Council was successful in securing an award of £14.304 million in grant funding from the Department of Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF). This is in addition to the award of £3.93 million LSTF Key Component secured in July 2011. Both grants are for the period up to 31 March 2015 and jointly form the Surrey Travel SMART programme. As part of the Surrey Travel SMART programme, a total of £4,854 million has been allocated for sustainable travel improvements in Redhill / Reigate. This paper outlines the funding allocation and the indicative 2012/13 programme.

(Report and Annexes A – D attached)

The Travel and Transport Group Manager and the Travel SMART Engagement Manager presented the report.

During discussion by the Committee the following key points were raised:

·          Members wished to know whether the proposals would address the issue of traffic congestion in Redhill. The Travel SMART Engagement Manager explained that the proposals were aimed at increasing walking and cycling to work via the routes highlighted on the map (Annex B to the report submitted), as well as improvements to bus corridors. This would contribute towards the reduction of traffic congestion.

·          Concerns were raised regarding the fact that any unspent funds had to be returned to the Department for Transport (DfT) at the end of the financial year. Members wished to know how confident officers were that the funds would be spent. The Travel and Transport Group Manager acknowledged that there was no ability to transfer money into future years, and highlighted the need to continue momentum to ensure that the funds were spent.

·          Discussion took place regarding the reprofiling of the spend to future years. The Travel and Transport Group Manager informed Members that this was still subject to Treasury approval, but if permitted, would enable as much of the spend as possible to take place later within the three-year period.

·          Members suggested that education for cyclists and drivers was required to improve safety. The Travel SMART Engagement Manager informed the Committee that 55% of the funding was revenue, and that education and social marketing were key elements of the project. This included proposals to offer discounted cycle training to householders along the routes identified, and for holding promotional events such as the recent Guildford Cycle Festival. Officers noted that until now, most cycling education had focused on children, but there was now a need to increase education and training for adults following an increase in adults taking up or returning to cycling following the Olympics. Work was taking place with British Cycling and local cycling clubs to improve information and road training for adults.

·          Clarification was sought as to how Route 2A from Water Colour to the National Cycle Network was being funded. It was thought that there was a commitment in the Section 106 agreement to fund this route; however, the programme stated that this was being funded from the Large Bid. Officers agreed to provide clarification on this.

·          Members noted the importance of co-ordinating this activity with the Drive SMART initiative. However, it was acknowledged that the Drive SMART budget was likely to change with the transition to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

·          Discussion took place regarding community engagement and the area it would cover, particularly around the Holmethorpe Industrial Estate and areas of deprivation. The Travel SMART Engagement Manager acknowledged the need to use common sense when engaging with the community. He informed Members that he was confident that funding could be spent in Merstham having learned from the experience of projects in similar areas such as Maybury and Sheerwater in Woking. There was also the possibility of making Healthy Lifestyle Hubs mobile and flexible. However, the grant had been made on the basis of focusing on areas of deprivation and it was necessary to demonstrate this in any decision making.

The Committee:

(i)            NOTED the successful award of £14.304 million of grant funding made to Surrey County Council for the Travel SMART bid.

(ii)          AGREED the 2012/13 Redhill/Reigate Travel SMART programme.

(iii)         AGREED to delegate amendments to the Travel SMART Programme to the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman and the Travel SMART Programme Manager in consultation with the appropriate officers and Members.