Agenda item

The Executive Director, Place and Connectivity introduced the report which provided the Committee with a general update on the key activities of the Place and Connectivity Directorate in relation to Transport and Infrastructure, which were not covered in other reports to this meeting. David Mitchell from Cambridgeshire County Council joined the meeting virtually to answer any Members' questions on the A141 consultation.

During discussion, the following points were noted:

Officers confirmed that the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) bid had been submitted in November. The feedback, which was expected in late Spring/Summer, would then be brought to a meeting of the Committee.  Work continued to ensure equitable distribution across the Combined Authority area.

It was clarified that the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy applied to Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire but had wider regional impacts due to Cambridge's status as a regional centre.  Two initial member steering group meetings had taken place, focusing on programme planning for the Strategy, an engagement plan for broader discussions, and development of an evidence base.  A paper would be brought forward in March covering the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) Sub Strategies which would include the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy. Post-Mayoral elections, further engagement would be undertaken, including discussions with wider authorities within Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and beyond.  Members emphasised the need for proper engagement with people outside the Greater Cambridge area who worked or spent leisure time there. The working group would ensure engagement was thorough while maintaining a focus on relevant planning authorities.

A draft response to the Transport Select Committee's inquiry into rail investment had been prepared and would be circulated to Committee members before submission. Key topics included Ely Junction capacity issues, the need for additional railway stations and improved interconnectivity and interchange facilities.

The E-Scooter trial had resulted in a 22% year-on-year growth in usage, equating to 42,000 fewer car trips. There was also a decline in accident rates due to online training and licensing requirements and the Police had given positive feedback regarding the trial's management and safety measures.

Tiger routes bus procurement had been delayed as an operator had been unable to deliver services as per their tender and withdrew from the process. The situation was resolved in early January, and a re-procurement exercise had now commenced.

Tiger on Demand or Demand-responsive travel (DRT) services faced delays but are now being rolled out across Fenland, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, and Huntingdonshire.  Officers outlined the revised communications plan for Tiger on Demand, which included online and offline engagement, distribution of promotional materials through local authorities and community groups, drop-in sessions at libraries and community hubs, and traditional and social media campaigns.  The Mayor acknowledged the efforts of the communications team and emphasised the importance of collaboration with local councils to enhance awareness of the DRT service.

The consultation on the A141 ran until 27th November, with a wide-ranging public response. The consultation report would be presented in full at a future meeting. David Mitchell confirmed that all relevant members had been informed ahead of the consultation launch on 16th October.

Members discussed the Ely Area Enhancement project, which is crucial for increasing freight capacity to the Midlands and North. Assurance was given that lobbying efforts for the project continued with active engagement from the Mayor and local MPs.

RESOLVED:

A.    That the Transport and Infrastructure Committee note the report.

ACTION:

1.     Officers to circulate to Members the draft response to the Transport Select Committee's inquiry into rail investment