Agenda item

Kamal Panchal, Senior Adviser at the LGA, introduced the Transport Update which updated the Board on LGA activity following agreement of policy and lobbying lines at the last Board meeting.  Members’ views were sought on the next steps.

During the discussion of the report members raised the following points:

·         Members highlighted the importance of subsidised bus transport and commented on the danger of losing funding for it. Particular concerns included the link between isolation and mental health issues and the recent scaling back of patient transport.

·         With reference to recent global concerns regarding the air quality safeguards on vehicles, Members highlighted the implication for local authorities and that this be raised with Government.  They emphasised the importance that no local authorities be unfairly penalised the EU for air quality standards as a result and that the car manufacturing industry be held to account.  More broadly, Members emaphsied the importance of lobbying more local authorities to be given greater powers to be able to meaningfully address the problem of air quality.   

·         With reference to regulation of taxis, it was noted that this responsibility sat with the Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

·         The positive impact of investing in public transport on air quality was highlighted.

·         Another member commented that the government is focussed on improving bus engines when the actual damage to the quality of air comes from cars primarily.

·         Concern were raised that whilst there was investment in national infrastructure schemes, it was difficult to secure funding for smaller areas to link into these larger urban centre transport networks. 

Decision

That the Board noted the report and agreed for their comments to be passed on to officers.

Action

Officers to continue their work based on the items raised in the discussion of the report.