Agenda item

To receive a report on transport accessibility in Enfield.

RECEIVED the slide deck ‘Mobility Impaired Access to Transport’ tabled at the meeting in addition to the report providing an overview of public transport in Enfield.

The presentation was led by Chris Cole, Head of Strategic Transport Planning and Policy, and Richard Eason, Programme Director, Journeys & Places, LB Enfield.

Details were given in respect of access to the railway system across the borough, including accessible stations, noting that train operators must apply for funding to DfT for upgrades and that costs were very high for most stations, and sometimes prohibitive.

All of TfL’s buses were compliant with all relevant DDA legislation, and Enfield’s bus stop accessibility was high at 95%. Some stops in rural or difficult locations were still to be completed. Remaining sections of Hail and Ride were due to be converted in the next few years. Officers were aware of research on behalf of RNIB looking at bus boarder/floating bus stops, and that guidance would be taken into account when available.

For walking and wheeling, all new footways and new crossings had to comply with DDA guidelines. All transport and highways schemes must consider the impacts on mobility impaired people in their design. It was recognised there were issues with older footways and maintenance of footways.

The All Ability Cycling Hub was highlighted as welcoming people of all ages and abilities to ride on the many types of cycles available, with experienced cycle instructors on hand. The hub took place every Monday year round in Bush Hill Park and was a very popular service. Age UK and One-to-One Enfield also used the adapted cycles for sessions.

Eligibility for Blue Badge parking was set at a national level. In Enfield, blue badge holders could park for an unlimited time in car parks (disabled bay and pay to park bay) and on-street (pay to park bay and resident permit only bay). Where possible, formalised blue badge parking was incorporated in all traffic infrastructure schemes.

There was a Journeys and Places Disability Reference Group made up of deaf and disabled people who live, work or study in Enfield, and would meet three or four times each year with the purpose to ensure that the views of deaf and disabled people are heard throughout the design phases to inform our projects.

Questions were invited from Members.

Cllr Dyson asked about lack of accessibility at Gordon Hill Station, particularly given its location close to Chase Farm Hospital. Officers advised that an application had been made in respect of Gordon Hill and Enfield Chase to the Access For All Fund: when information was available the ward councillors would be informed.

Cllr Gregory raised the poor state of broken paths in Oakwood Park, which affected bicycle users. Officers clarified that Journeys & Places related to Highways rather than Parks, but they knew Parks Service was aware and following liaison with Parks colleagues a fuller response would be provided.

Tim Fellows related difficulties in pushing a relative using a wheelchair on local pavements and roads. It was advised that new standards required a flush kerb, but many pavements were not up to the modern standard.

Trees overhanging pavements could also cause difficulties for people with visual impairment, especially if there was a need to go into the road to avoid the obstacle. It was advised that issues may be reported directly via the Council’s website at Tree planting, removal and problems | Enfield Council

A further issue was misuse of Blue Badges. Fraudulent use could be reported anonymously via the Council’s website at Disabled person's parking permit (Blue Badge) | Enfield Council. Chris Cole agreed to find out further information regarding misuse of designated disabled parking bays.

In response to further queries regarding pavements, it was advised that the Council had an agreed level of maintenance, but resources were finite and inspections had to be used to prioritise areas to be addressed. However, it was always worth reporting an issue or raising an MEQ. The footway renewal programme used asphalt rather than paving slabs (except in town centres or heritage areas). The highest proportion of maintenance costs resulted from motor vehicles going onto footways where they should not, and in new schemes bollards etc were used to prevent this.

Cllr Dyson raised residents’ concerns about the 456 bus being inaccessible to elderly and disabled people. Officers acknowledged that Enfield Transport User Group had also asked about this bus, which was a midi size and could be difficult to board. It had been discussed with TfL who consider it the appropriate vehicle for its patronage. If there was more residential development around Crews Hill, improvements to this service may be made, alongside improved railway station accessibility.

Officers advised that they wanted to investigate bus routes further, particularly in parts of the borough that were less well served, to further the evidence base to make stronger arguments to TfL. Chris Cole confirmed he had a liaison link with TfL.

In response to Cllr Cetinkaya’s query, it was confirmed that mobility scooters may be driven in cycle lanes.

The Chair thanked the officers for the slide deck and attendance at the meeting.