Agenda item

To receive the report of the Director Frontline Services outlining the strategy of the Council developing active travel (walking and cycling) across Rhondda Cynon Taf, the investment that has either already been committed or is planned and the issues that need to be taken into account when implementing schemes.

The Director of Frontline Services informed Members that the purpose of the report was to outline the strategy of the Council developing active travel (walking and cycling) across Rhondda Cynon Taf, the investment that has either already been committed or is planned and the issues that need to be taken into account when implementing schemes. The Officer highlighted the significance of the report; focusing on the Active Travel Act (Wales) 2013, as vital tool which can be utilised to tackle Climate Change with the focus on enabling meaningful journeys, via Cycling and Walking. The Officer stated that Under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, the team are required to produce and submit Active Travel Networks Maps to the Welsh Government by December 2021 with authorization from Cabinet members.

Members were informed that currently the Network Maps are out to formal Consultation until the 22^nd of November 2021; so far, 700 responses have been received from the consultation thus portraying the interest in Active Travel. 

The Director of Frontline Services highlighted to Members that delivery of the aspirations set out in the strategy will be dependent on funding and directed members to section 5.5 and 5.6 of the report which detail the Councils success in receiving funding towards the Active Travel Scheme. The officer stated Welsh Government will look to invest £70 million in Active Travel infrastructure this year across Wales which will aid in creating a vast portfolio of new assets which will need to be maintained through a range of ways including glitter picking, gritting and potholes.

Members were advised that the appendices attached to the report set out annual progress reports which the Council are required to submit to Welsh Government each year highlighting works and projects undertaken under the Active Travel Act (Wales) 2013. He stated that the Council are required to show continual improvement year on year and highlighted a range of infrastructure initiatives and education / training opportunities outlined within the appendices.

The Chair thanked the Director of Frontline Service for the positive report, and the actions being taken to tackle Climate Change. The Chair referred members back to section 5.6 of the report highlighting the positives in levels of funding from the Welsh Government for 2021/22; however, he did recognize the need for further funding for future projects in the coming years. The Chair urged the members of the Cabinet and community to participate in the consultation which will be formulated and fed back to the Welsh Government in December 2021.

One member was pleased with the efforts taken in the report; however, raised a query regarding litter pollution in the routes and urged the Council to develop litter prevention strategies to tackle this problem. The member suggested the Council utilise community-based groups to prevent litter pollution and raise awareness across the Borough. This was encouraged by members as they recognised the significance of community-based groups as a huge resource to the Council. Another member mentioned the opportunity of the Council collaborating with Transport for Wales initiative ‘Green Valley’ as another potential avenue to tackle litter pollution.

The Group acknowledged the opportunities that engaging with local community groups regarding litter picking can have on tackling the issue and one Member highlighted the work of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee and the work that they are carrying out to look into this issue further.

Members thanked officers for their passionate involvement regarding community consultation and ensuring that they are proactive in getting as many views as possible on the matter.

The Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group Resolved:

-          To note the contents of this report for information and the progress made by the Council implementing its active travel strategy.