Document “AF” provides an update to the previous recommendations around the management of the District’s Killed and Serious Injuries (KSI’s) on the highway.

The report also updates on the Inter-Departmental Agreements between Planning, Transportation & Highways Service and Public Health around the Road Safety Team and Active School Travel.

Recommended –

That officers be requested to update the Committee in twelve months time to include casualty performance and a financial update.

(Simon D’Vali – 01274 618375)

Document “AF” provided an update to the previous recommendations around the management of the District’s Killed and Serious Injuries (KSI’s) on the highway.

The report also updated Members on the Inter-Departmental Agreements between Planning, Transportation & Highways Service and Public Health around the Road Safety Team and Active School Travel.

Document “AF” referred to the budget announcement that the current Inter-Departmental Agreement between PT&H and Public Health, financially supporting the district’s road safety team would be reduced by 50% over a two year period commencing in 2018/19. The report also revealed that the current Inter-Departmental Agreement between PT&H and Public Health, financially supporting the districts Active School Travel Programme would be subject to cessation over a two year period commencing 2018/19.

Members questioned if funding had been identified to mitigate the impact of those cuts and it was explained that, at the time of report writing, the situation was not clear.  Since that time it had become evident that funds could be available from the Local Transport Plan.  It was also considered that a business case  for support for the services could be made to the West Yorkshire Safer Roads Executive.

A Member referred to the evidence in his ward of the success of the road safety services and suggested that pressure from the Committee may be required on the commissioning groups to convince them to support the Road Safety Team and the Active School Travel Programme 

The success of the Active School Travel Programme, in helping thousands of children and their families to live a more active lifestyle through the promotion of walking and cycling, was commended.  The difficulties in persuading parents to walk to school were acknowledged and it was agreed that an understanding of the catchment areas and the ability to ensure children were allocated schools within their local community was required.

It was acknowledged that, with the cuts which had been made to school budgets, that schools would be less able to support the Active School Travel Programme financially.  It was agreed that the allocation of primary school pupils to schools close to their homes would enable parents to walk their children to school. 

The previous prevalence of child injuries in the district and the evidence which revealed the accomplishment of the Road Safety Team and Active Travel Programme was discussed.  It was agreed that now was not the time to reduce those programmes which were beginning to produce real results.  It was agreed that efforts should be made to retain those services and the good practice which had been developed be continued.

In response to questions about the ability for schools to teach road safety it was explained that with the volume of statutory elements in school curriculums it was difficult for schools to include non core subjects.  Training to schools was provided in priority area with the areas of greatest need being approached first.  A strong case had been made to schools to encourage them to accept the training available and School Governors had been directed to take up the training. 

Resolved –

1.    That the successful work of the Council and its partner schools in promoting safer walking and cycling in recent years be acknowledged.

2.    That Members trust that Council officers will do all they can to ensure that the work in promoting safer walking and cycling be continued.

3.    That the Strategic Director, Place, be requested to provide an update in 12 months time to include casualty performance and a financial update.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place