Issue - meetings

To receive an update on Air Quality.

RECEIVED an update on the Air Quality Action Plan in the Borough.

NOTED that the plan has 27 actions listed in the new document. The Consultation period has now elapsed and the GLA have approved the final document. The new AQAP is a living document, with the annual implementation to be reported as part of the Air Quality Status report submitted to the GLA, the next one due in the Summer 2023.

IN RESPONSE the following comments/questions were received:

Q.        Regarding the consultation process, were primary and secondary schools’ part of the engagement process

A.        The Council’s Traffic & Transportation team are working with schools on anti-idling, speaking to parents at primary schools, as this fits in with the Environment curriculum on primary schools. There was no interest from secondary schools regarding anti-idling events at present.  It was encouraging to see young people speaking to drivers, asking them to switch their cars off and explaining the reasoning behind air pollution damaging health.  This was a very powerful message, the outcome of which was used in the consultation results.

Q.        Can newly introduced cyclists be directed to specific service providers to build up confidence of cycling on public roads.

A.        Enfield provide a cycle service and there are also new ability cycling classes.  There is one running at present in Bush Hill Park on Monday lunchtimes and outside working hours.  More information can be obtained from Richard Eason.

Q.        Good news regarding the Public Transport Network being accessible, although at the east of the borough there are some lovely paths that are not signposted, such as Millmarsh Lane and Mossops Creek.

A.        The Council will look into signage requirements in these areas.

Q.        An update was requested in respect of the key access at Gordon Hill Station, lifts or ramps required

A.        Funding from the TFL is required as part of an ongoing programme running over the last few years to improve station access and the Council are pushing TFL to do so at all Enfield stations.

Q.        An update on limiting school runs was requested.

A.        School Streets are continuing to be rolled out but there is a funding issue at present. The Council are supporting schools through the Starts Programme, 10 have been successful in this financial year.  There are currently reviews and revisions of those in place to get them sustainable.  Air quality outside schools has greatly improved.

Q.        How widespread was the consultation and how did the Council engagement the public.

A.        Consultation took place on the website and interested groups took part.

Q.        Wren Academy were interested in a School Street, can you please engage with them?

A.        Wren Academy are very strict with parents and do not allow them to drive up to the school.  The teachers do not have time to monitor this issue.

Q.        The culture in Enfield regarding School Streets and air pollution needs to be changed. Further discussions are needed with the young people, parents, and teachers.

A.        The Council now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4

To receive a Climate Action Update.

RECEIVED a progress update on Climate Action in the Borough.

NOTED the preliminary summary of external engagement published with the agenda.

IN RESPONSE the following comments/questions were received:

Q.       How can people get involved? How can the Council make sure that residents are aware of what is going on?  There are many priorities to be considered and the public can decide if they are given access to the information easily.

A.       The Environment Forum is a good platform to share information.  Members of the Enfield Transport Users Group and other groups link into many areas of the Climate Action Plan, including sustainability and others. The main priority is spreading the word on what is being done.  Elected members are aware of many more community groups than officers and can help spread the information further.  It is everybody’s responsibility to involve as many people as possible.  The Council is open to working with the community groups to spread awareness. Outreach to communities comes from networking and further involvement can be sought through this forum.

Q.       How can the Council work with TFL to improve the area.

A.       Regular contact with TFL. Our views are very important to them as the Mayor of London’s commitment to providing sustainable transport facilities and sharing their financial business model highlighting passenger sales etc. In particular, the standard of buses at certain times of the day and Enfield are currently aligned with their objectives. Action: Doug Wilkinson to speak to TFL in respect of bus services.

Q.       Do we have wider groups so that we can proactively reach out?

A.       Internal engagement is progressing through the Council, landlord forums, community forums, Friends of Parks, resident groups and networking with existing forums is crucial to engagement, creating unions to increase interest.

Q.       How do you reach out to businesses in the Borough? Have you considered attending BNI group meetings, where local businesses meet and share information etc?  In respect of going green and solar panels – how much involvement do the planning department have to share advice on this. Islington Council have lime-green bikes, can Enfield look at bike hire schemes?

A.       It is difficult to increase interest.  Pan London wide is overseen by the GLA and this is being progressed by them.  It is not currently commercially viable in outer London, and London Councils are exploring that option.  Enfield does have the infrastructure but needs the volume of people to use it.

          In respect of connecting with the BNI groups, this will be explored. Action: Rafe Bertram

          In response to the ongoing green issue, each planning application is reviewed in line with the London Plan, and we are currently meeting zero carbon standards. Greenspace is being reviewed by the relevant teams, ensuring each planning application is resilient to flooding, green roots etc.

Q.       What is Enfield’s contribution to satisfy what the Mayor of London wants to do in terms of delivery of business etc compared to other London Boroughs? Is there a clear target?

A.       The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4