RESOLVED:

A. That the Merton’s Active & Healthy Travel Response to Covid-19 be endorsed.

B. That the submission of funding bids to Department for Transport and Transport for London be noted and that the extent of projects delivered will be dependent on the funding made available to the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Transport presented the report which set out the Council’s emergency transport response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to aid social distancing, provide more space for walking and cycling and support the local economy.  The measures included widening road and pavements and temporary cycle lanes.  The temporary works would be followed by longer term works to improve walking and cycling routes throughout the borough to meet the Council’s long term sustainability and active travel goals.  It was important as lockdown eased that the borough did not return to pre-Covid levels of traffic congestion.  The Cabinet Member outlined the consultation which had taken place and responses received and thanked the officers involved for their work in such a short space of time and the residents for their engagement.

The Chair thanked all those involved for their work.  The Director of Environment and Regeneration advised that the strategy would be taken through the Council’s scrutiny process over the coming months.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and the Environment welcomed the report and the measures which would promote more sustainable and active modes of transport, contributing to the improvement of air quality and improving residents’ health.

The Cabinet Member for Voluntary Services, Partnerships and Community Safety welcomed the report and thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for looking into the issues raised by residents, particularly on congestions around schools.

The Chair thanked all for their contributions.

RESOLVED:

A. That the Merton’s Active & Healthy Travel Response to Covid-19 be endorsed.

B. That the submission of funding bids to Department for Transport and Transport for London be noted and that the extent of projects delivered will be dependent on the funding made available to the Council.