Issue - meetings

This report asks members to consider establishing a Congestion Commission for York and proposes a city-wide conversation building on known expertise in the field to bring forward strategic recommendations for the Council to consider.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to the establishment of a Congestion Commission for York with the purposes, scope and ways of operating set out in the report and Terms of Reference, the budget proposed in paragraph 32 and the draft work programme set out in paragraphs 30 and 31.

Reason:     To enable a robust, evidence-based and participative approach to developing strategic recommendations for the management of congestion in York.

Consideration was given to a report which asked Members to consider the establishment of a Congestion Commission for the city and proposals for a city-wide consultation, building on known expertise in the field, to bring forward strategic recommendations for the Council to consider.

The report considered the challenges and experiences of similar compact mediaeval cities, including their use of a Commission approach to congestion management. It was noted that Officers had examined the key lessons and in particular the importance of independent expertise and the need for participation and open debate. This had then been used to draw up the Terms of Reference, principles of operation, scope, size and membership of the Commission.

Members also noted details of the proposed funding and budget, in the context of the ongoing management of the highways.

Consideration was given to the option of not setting up a Congestion Commission, with the Council continuing as it had in the past, which it was noted had its strengths. Alternatively consideration was given to establishing a Commission intended to identify strategic recommendations, in a different way, along the lines of the London Roads Task Force. 

Members referred to a number of earlier approaches taken by the authority to congestion and to the lack of long term solutions. It was now felt that expert assistance and community engagement were required with an early start being made on the set up of a Commission.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to the establishment of a Congestion Commission for York with the purposes, scope and ways of operating set out in the report and Terms of Reference, the budget proposed in paragraph 32 and the draft work programme set out in paragraphs 30 and 31. ^1.

Reason:     To enable a robust, evidence-based and participative approach to developing strategic recommendations for the management of congestion in York.