Agenda item

To consider the attached report.

The Executive Board AGREED unanimously to:

(a)          Note the progress to date;

(b)          Delegate to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairperson a response to Highways England (HE) supporting:

·         the inclusion of an M11 Smart Motorway upgrade within the next Highways England Route Investment Strategy whilst ensuring that local impacts are fully assessed through the business case development process; and

·         the upgrade of the functionality and the ‘all movement’ accessibility of the Girton Interchange subject to full impact assessment;

(c)          Agree to increase the number of spaces at the Trumpington Park and Ride site subject to necessary planning permissions being obtained;

(d)          Agree to undertake a more detailed business case analysis as set out in this report in relation to medium term Park and Ride expansion and Park and Cycle options and associated junction improvements; and

(e)          Agree the next steps/ timetable detailed in the report.

The Executive Board considered a report which provided an update on further assessment work carried out on the proposed development of the Western Orbital in the context of discussions with Highways England to designate the M11 as a ‘Smart Motorway’; evaluation of the Girton interchange; and the GCP’s future investment prioritisation.  The report also set out planned improvements to existing park and ride provision to provide a short term means of addressing pressures around junction 11 of the M11 and access to the nearby Cambridge Biomedical Campus. 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Vice Chairperson of the LLF attended the meeting and presented feedback on the LLF’s views on the proposals.  Councillor Smith commented that there had been a significant amount of discussion on the park and ride proposals and a number of conflicting views emerged.  There had also been some concern about plans to spend this amount of money on a short term measure.  While it was accepted that underground expansion was unlikely to be accepted due to the cost, there were also concerns about constructing decking above ground.  The LLF had however ultimately accepted that there was a need for a short term intervention to increase the number of spaces within the footprint of the existing site, alongside steps to optimise the site as a pick up and drop off point for busses, particularly those transporting children to school, and increased park and cycle provision.  Further comments would be forthcoming as detailed proposals emerged.

The Joint Assembly had recommended that the Executive Board accept the officer recommendations.

The Executive Board was invited to consider and comment on the recommendations, taking into account feedback from the Joint Assembly and comments from the LLF.  The response to questions of clarification and the main points of discussion are summarised below:

·         Councillor Bates commented that the County Council was the land owner of the park and ride site and its Environment and Transport Committee had sanctioned the Executive Board to consider the proposed expansion of the site by adding an additional 299 spaces.  In respect of coaches, there had been discussions between County Council and City Council officers and Members about this, including arrangements for school drop off and collection.

·         Mark Reeve confirmed that from a business perspective the Local Enterprise Partnership was supportive of the proposals.

The Executive Board AGREED unanimously to:

(a)          Note the progress to date;

(b)       Delegate the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairperson, to submit a response to Highways England supporting:

·           The inclusion of an M11 Smart Motorway upgrade within the next Highways England Route Investment Strategy whilst ensuring that local impacts are fully assessed through the business case development process; and

·           The upgrade of the functionality and the ‘all movement’ accessibility of the Girton Interchange, subject to full impact assessment;

(c)       Agree to increase the number of spaces at the Trumpington Park and Ride Site, subject to necessary planning permissions being obtained;

(d)       Agree to undertake a more detailed business case analysis as set out in the report in relation to medium term park and ride expansion, Park and Cycle options and associated junction improvements; and

(e)       Agree the next steps/timetable detailed in the report.