Decision details

The Service Director, Frontline Services provided the report, which sought Cabinet’s approval to commence a review, including a public engagement exercise, of the Council’s existing Active Travel Integrated Network Map (ATINM).

The Service Director referred the Cabinet to Section 5 of the report, which detailed the proposed tasks the Council would undertake as part of the review and update of its ATINM. This evidenced that the preparation of an updated ATINM would involve extensive consultation with the public and key stakeholders and would be undertaken in accordance with Welsh Government guidance. The Service Director noted that the consultation would be predominantly online due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Service Director spoke of the aim of the Active Travel legislation, in that it seeks to promote more sustainable forms of transport amongst the population, such as walking and cycling, for short journeys and non-recreational purposes. The aims and objectives being to improve the health and well-being of local residents and their access to key facilities and services, as well as reduce congestion and improve local air quality. The Service Director added that the aspiration of the new Active Travel requirements was to focus on mode shifts to improve congestion and the air quality within the communities.

The Service Director advised that the requirement to submit to Welsh Government had been extended to December 2021 and therefore, requested that recommendation 2.3 be amended accordingly.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure & Heritage Services was in support of the proposals and acknowledged the need for a different approach to public engagement. The Cabinet Member commented that the focus of the Local Authority was to promote active travel and that it was important for the health and wellbeing of residents along with obtaining a cleaner environment with less car pollution.

The Deputy Leader thanked the Service Director for the comprehensive report and commented that there was an opportunity for it to form part of the work of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group, which was due to meet virtually at the end of the month. The Deputy Leader spoke of the need for a mutual respect between walkers and cyclists using the routes, commenting that from her experience, this was evident.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the reasons for undertaking a review of the Council’s existing Active Travel Integrated Network Map (ATINM), including a public engagement exercise;

2.    To the Council undertaking a public engagement exercise during 2020 and 2021 as part of this review; and

3.    To receive a further report in due course on the outcome of this exercise, prior to the submission of the updated version of the ATINM to the Welsh Government.