Issue - meetings

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy submitted a report outlining the background on the need to establish and Task and Finish Group to review sustainable transport.  The report also sought approval of the draft terms of reference as detailed in the report submitted. 

The Chief Executive reminded Members that this issue had been discussed a number of times by Members on various “away days” in terms of what the Council could do to ease congestion on roads in the District.  She explained that the issue had also been discussed with a number of Parish and Town Councils who had expressed concerns regarding congestion levels. 

Councillor R Cheswright stated that people used cars in rural areas because of the lack of alternative methods of transport.  The Chief Executive referred to the establishment of community transport schemes. 

Councillor H Drake stated that Bishop’s Stortford was taking a lot of development, trains could not cope and that measures needed to be found to increase their capacity.  Councillor M Freeman commented that there was a need to define what was meant by “sustainability” within the aims of the draft terms of reference.  This was supported.

Councillor R Cheswright referred to the 1500 homes planned for Buntingford which did not have a train station.  Councillor Cheswright suggested that consideration be given to introducing safer cycle routes.

The Committee approved the draft terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group to review sustainable transport with a membership of six. 

Councillors J Wyllie, R Cheswright, M Freeman, R Henson and S Reed submitted their names for consideration on the Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED – that (A) the draft terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group on Sustainable Transport as detailed in the report submitted, be approved;

(B)   membership of the Task and Finish Group comprising six Members be agreed; and

(C)   the aims within the Draft Terms of Reference’s be amended to include the definition of “sustainability”.