Agenda and minutes

To consider any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kemi Atolagbe.

For transparency, Councillor Lorna Greenwood declared that she worked for an Arts and Health community interest company. She did not feel this would influence her discussion of the report.

There were no announcements.

There was no such business.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 10 January 2023.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 10 January 2023 be agreed.

Report of the Director of Environment and Sustainability.

This report lays out the work that is currently being done by the Camden Council transport team, Camden Accessible Transport Services, and Transport for London to improve the accessibility of transport and travel in Camden.

This report is in the form of a verbal update to the Disability Oversight Panel accompanied by a slide deck which is appended to this document.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Environment and Sustainability. The report as introduced by the Head of Transport Strategy and Projects.

In their discussion of the report, the Panel and officers made the following key comments:

Members discussed Equality Impact Assessments and the key information the assessments could show, such as positive and negative impacts of schemes on certain groups. In response to a question from Members, the Head of Transport Strategy and Projects said that, with consultations, seeking the correct balance of questions was important. External organisations were engaged with by the Council to help understand underrepresented or hard to reach groups.

Members suggested that Equality Impact Assessments be available in an easy read format, free of jargon, so that those with learning disabilities could access them.

The Panel discussed bus stops, particularly those that are surrounded by cycle lanes. The Head of Transport Strategy and Projects said that all this style of bus stop would typically be on larger streets and that all schemes went through road safety checks with feedback sought from groups. He continued that many of the schemes would be implemented as a trial so that usage and dangers could be understood before a permanent implementation.

The Panel commented that more attention could be drawn from pedestrians and cyclists about the type of bus stop they were disembarking from or passing to avoid danger and make them more accessible. An officer from TfL explained that there was a standard procedure and actions buses and drivers should do at certain styles of bus stops. TfL asked for details to be sent to them of any stops or routes where this did not happen, they would need to be given precise locations. In response to a question from the Panel about the use and benefit of audio messaging on bus routes, officers from TfL said that audio messaging was important and needed to be correct though they were also conscious of not over providing. The officer said that work was being carried out to look at the form of words used to help differentiate bus stops to make routes more accessible.

The Panel discussed e-bikes and hazard they posed people with disabilities when not parked in designated bike bays. The Head of Transport Strategy and Projects said that the onus was on operators to use the spaces provided and that providers would fine or ban those who were not compliant. He commented that e-bikes were going to be discussed at the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee and that he would raise the issues discussed by the Panel.

In response to questions around the closing of Kentish Town tube station and the adjacent bus stop, officers from TfL said that drop in sessions were being held for local stakeholders, including Camden Disability Action. Members emphasized the importance of people being made aware of these drop in sessions so that TfL could understand the full impact.

The Concessionary Passes and Badges Manager discussed with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

There was no such business.