As Redbridge Council are not considering any ordinary council business until 26th November next on behalf of myself, Cllr Stephen Adams, Cllr Howard Berlin, Cllr Anita Boateng and Cllr Suzanne Nolan we are requesting that an ECM be called to hear the urgent Business Motion set out below.
Conservative councillors have been contacted by numerous Barkingside residents objecting to the proposed Covid-19 traffic measures that have been imposed on them without any prior consultation taking place. They have informed us that the scheme which is currently being implemented is not working and is severely impacting on their safety and wellbeing and is causing traffic Chaos in their neighbourhood. They have told us that situation is so serious that it is only a matter of time before a tragic accident occurs and they want the scheme halted now as a matter of urgency, and appropriate action is taken to develop a workable scheme that is acceptable to residents. They cannot wait any longer, and something needs to be done now to prevent the situation from escalating out of control. It is also important that no further schemes proceed in any other areas of our Borough without the residents being consulted first.
Regards, Linda
Cllr Linda Huggett
Monkhams Ward
Leader of the Redbridge Conservative Group
“Council recognizes the need for safe traffic measures which promote cycling and walking, and which assist with social distancing in the light of the Covid-19 crisis. It thanks Council officers and members for their efforts to develop such schemes to prevent the spread of Covid-19 swiftly in particular circumstances ,and where the scheme has been consulted on.
However, Council notes that the need to take action swiftly has resulted in the curtailing of the normal consultation processes, leading to some schemes being proposed or implemented without the opportunity for all those affected residents and businesses to give their views.
Whilst supporting measures to encourage more walking and cycling and cleaner air Council recognises that during the current covid 19 crisis that many residents,including vulnerable,disabled and key workers remain reliant on travel by car. It is vital that all traffic schemes strike the right balance and proceed only with public support.
Council, therefore, requests that officers immediately stop the Barkingside traffic scheme and urgently review all traffic measures which are proposed or have been implemented since
March on which there has been no prior consultation, particularly those making use of the Experimental Traffic Orders. Feedback should be invited from residents and businesses on the impact of such schemes. Online channels can be used to reduce the administrative burden but this process must begin immediately without waiting for the statutory consultation timetables.
This Council, therefore, resolves to
Stop the Barkingside Traffic scheme until a full public consultation has taken place.
Only permit the continuation of all other Covid-19 traffic schemes that have been adopted to date with full consultation
Reverse schemes that do not meet the ordinary requirements for wide-ranging changes under Covid-19 or do not receive sufficient public support from directly affected residents and businesses
Consult fully on all Covid-19 schemes that are proposed before they are adopted in future
Time limit all Covid-19 traffic measures so that they are removed when no longer necessary for purposes connected with Covid-19.”
