Today we had full council meeting, and as apart of that the Mayor and Cabinet Members are asked public questions from residents.
The following questions and answers were given for subjects within my portfolio of Streets and Environment:
Question One:
"Mr Mayor, In the run up to your election in reference to LTNs, you stated, "I do not want Croydon to be dependent on fining its residents to be able to balance the books but removing that dependency will take some time. I will do it but it won’t be on day one!” It is now day 268, you’ve opened the books and discovered ridiculous and achievable income predictions related to these schemes. There is still no data and no public outreach as was also promised. When will you keep to your word?"
Answer:
The decision to introduce LTN schemes was made by the previous Administration, before the Executive Mayor was elected.
In the toxic legacy that was inherited from the previous administration,but there was also a third tranche of LTN’s built into the budget, which the Executive Mayor has removed.
Whilst we have not been able to remove the existing LTNs, we have listened, and tried to introduce measures and remove physical barriers wherever possible. Opening access to these roads for local residents and emergency services.
We have also pushed for additional, clearer signage to be in place where possible in the locality of the exiting LTN schemes.
We have also extended permit exclusions.
Going forward The Executive Mayor, and myself, have made it very clear to officers, the need to promote walking and cycling across the borough, but that any future schemes coming forward should not be based on fining residents in order to achieve such outcomes.
Question Two:
"Since your election and that of the council, please give examples of any tangible improvements that have taken place to date, outside this building within the Central Croydon Conservation Area. In particular on Katharine Street, High Street, Park Street, and St. George's Walk?"
Answer:
Since the election in May, I am pleased to say a number of projects to improve the High Street are now in progress.
- Bus stops on High Street for services heading southbound will be reopened and new one-way system on Katharine Street and High Street will mean shorter bus routes through the town centre.
- To make it safer and easier to walk and cycle around the area, a new crossing will be added to High Street by Robert Street, and the existing zebra crossing on Katharine Street will be moved to the end of the road, at the corner of The Spread Eagle pub. The temporary cycle lane will be permanent in a revised position on the western side of the highway with more appropriate materials.
- For the part of the High Street that is already pedestrianised, access will be improved by levelling the pavement and removing the gates.
From 17 February, a trial of two way traffic on Fell Road and from Mint walk to the flyover will be implemented, giving better vehicle access for local businesses and residents. This will become two-way for traffic giving access to drivers to turn left into the road from the flyover.
The council is currently undertaking a survey,
I would like to invite residents, businesses and visitors, to provide feedback on these changes through our online survey at https://www.getinvolved.croydon.gov.uk/central-croydon/survey_tools/central-croydon-survey
The survey will close on 18 August 2023.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me on: [email protected]
Alternatively, if you wish to ask a question at full council, please find the instructions on how at:
