An overview of  inclusive transport in Enfield.

Dominic Millen gave a presentation on Inclusive Transport and highlighted the following.

1)    A map of the borough indicated that poor air quality is highest around main routes.

2)    The types of pollution were noted, particulate matter such as PM10 is associated with petrol and diesel engines but reduces as engines become cleaner. Transport accounts for 39% of the borough’s carbon emissions. The Council has an Air Quality Action Plan containing 40 actions.

3)    To assist in reducing the reliance on motor vehicles, strategic walking and cycling routes have been established along key corridors in Enfield.

4)    Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have been established to relieve traffic congestion in residential areas. Two have already been piloted (Fox Lane and Bowes) which compliment the strategic walking and cycling routes. Each scheme has included an equalities assessment.

5)    14 School Streets are now in place, preventing private cars from using roads in the immediate area of the school during a timed period each day.

6)    Access to transport across the borough indicated that Edmonton Green and Enfield Town are well served by transport hubs, including buses and trains. However, some other densely populated areas in the North East of the borough have less provision.

7)    Buses are moving to a low/zero carbon fleet and remain the most accessible transport with low floors.

8)    A number of rail and underground stations in Enfield provide step-free access and plans are being developed for further work in this area.

9)    Active and sustainable transport results in inclusive transport. 33% of households in Enfield do not have access to a car. Walking and cycling is low cost with well documented health benefits. Free travel is available in London for the Under-18s and the Over-60s.

10)Some of the challenges include reviewing bus to bus interchanges to ensure an accessible journey for passengers with mobility issues. Step-free access at Palmers Green and Silver Street Railway Stations is being considered but there is little funding nationwide for this type of project.

The Chair thanked Dominic Millen for the presentation, especially for expanding the scope at short notice. Cllr Erbil noted the need to address inequalities within transport provision and gave examples of poor air quality along main roads and a lack of transport in the North East of the borough.

Members of the Board were then asked for any questions and comments.

11) In response to a question relating to a possible LTN in Edmonton, it was clarified that no specific site had yet been identified.

12)A comment was received that it is important to win the hearts and minds of residents in respect of LTNs, which may make them more receptive to proposals. It was also noted that before considering new LTNs the outcomes from the pilot schemes should be measured. In response it was noted that communications are constantly being reviewed and the current LTNs would be used as pilots for future schemes. This would assist the Equality Impact Assessments which will continue to be reviewed throughout the design process and the trials.

13)There was a discussion on the term ‘Rat-run’ and it was commented that local drivers would use alternative routes to attempt to avoid heavily congested main roads. As traffic levels return to normal following lock-down, these problems will inflate and bus journey times will increase.

14)The Chair commented that measures to reduce the number of vehicles on the road are needed and this has been debated in great depth at Full Council meetings.

The Chair thanked Officers for their input.