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Local Transport Board Meeting Note

10.30-12.30 Tuesday 19

June 2018

Rose Room, Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX.

Board Attendance:

Sue Roper

Suffolk County Council

Richard Perkins

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Simon Amor

Highways England

Paul Martin

First Group

Nick Burfield

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Jonathan Rudd

New Anglia LEP

Jonathan Denby

Greater Anglia

Christopher Soule

CLA

Ellen Goodwin

New Anglia LEP

Cllr Mary Evans

Suffolk County Council

Graeme Mateer

Suffolk County Council

Paul Horne

Suffolk County Council

Nova Fairbank

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Philip Broadbent- Yale

Sustrans

Roger Geffen

Cycling UK

Cllr Judy Oliver

Norfolk County Council

Hannah Grimes

Norfolk County Council

David Cumming

Norfolk County Council

Apologies:

Ali Clabburn

Liftshare

Doug Field

New Anglia LEP

John Dugmore

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Jonathan Cage

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Larry Heyman

GT Railway

Cllr Martin Wilby

Norfolk County Council

Richard Pace

Norwich Airport

Cllr Stuart Clancy

Norfolk County Council

Chris Starkie

New Anglia LEP

Steve Wickers

First Group

Emily Manser

New Anglia LEP

Tom Stead

Network Rail

Lee Sambrook

DfT

Ollie Starbuck

East Midlands Trains

Paul Davey

Felixstowe Port

Public attendance:

Carolyn Barnes

East Suffolk District Council

Jeff Holdcroft

Transport East representative for Suffolk

District Councils

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1. Welcome and introductions

Cllr Evans welcomed the Board.

2. Minutes and matters arising Friday 23rd February

The minutes from 23

February were agreed.

3. Updates

 Chambers of Commerce

Nova Fairbank stated that the Chamber are supporting the A47 JustDualIt!

Campaign with postcards available electronically and at the office. The

Chamber are attending the Norfolk Show next week and the EDP and

Norfolk County Council are exhibiting. The Chamber have been pushing to

keep the Norwich to Liverpool line as a direct route in the franchise but it

appears they are going to split the route at Nottingham. The Chamber also

supports the Norwich Western Link.

Nick Burfield informed the Board that he is due to meet Jesse Norman MP

next week. He also explained there is work ongoing on the A1307 pre

strategic outline business stage.

Chris Soule enquired as to funding for small roads in Suffolk.

Cllr Evans explained that the condition of Highways is important to the new

Suffolk County Council administration along with improving delivery but

there is a restricted budget but happy to explain in detail after the meeting.

 Road (Highways England, DfT)

Simon Amor explained that the six A47 schemes are on track with

consultations in early autumn. There is expected to be an Oxford to

Cambridge expressway corridor announcement this summer. It is

anticipated there will be a RIS 2 announcement 12 months from now so try

and push the case this year. Following the poor weather earlier in the year

the condition of roads has been poor with a number of pot holes, Highways

England has spent £9m across the region on improvements.

David Cumming inquired about the national delivery of trunk road schemes

and if there is a limit or flexibility around costs.

Simon Amor explained there is a cost window if the costs go outside of this

a case would need to be made to the Highways England or DfT.

 Air (Norwich, Stansted)

No updates.

 Rail (Network Rail, Greater Anglia, East Midlands, East West Rail)

Jonathan Denby explained that Greater Anglia have had a mixed

performance due to the severe weather in March and last week’s problem

with points outside Liverpool Street. The local lines are performing well.

The new trains are on schedule with the first two on regional routes built.

The first two trains will arrive in November followed by six months of

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training. The first trains will be in service in May 2019. The delivery of the

Norwich in 90 will be at the end of May 2019 the services will be delivered

due to the new trains which can be delivered without any infrastructure

improvements.

Chris Soule asked how many years before we get a fully functioning

network?

Jonathan Denby explained that infrastructure improvements will only be

realised if we are collectively effective. Improvements at Haughley could

potentially be in 2021/22, Network Rail are updating funding costs. Trowse

Bridge would need some legislation repealed but otherwise the scheme

could potentially start in 2024. The loops and digital signalling are less

developed, Ely has received funding and is supported by both LEPs who

have funded development work with final costings expected in spring

2019.

Nick Burfield asked about whether the Manningtree depot site was still

being pursued.

Jonathan Denby said it will be another 6-8 weeks before Greater Anglia

finalise and announce anything.

ACTION: Officers to talk to Richard Taylor (Network Rail) to ask for a

rough view on costs and what he thinks the level of third party contribution

would be to get rail schemes over the line.

Cllr Evans explained that the counties in the Eastern Section need to be

more prepared for East West Rail meetings with pre meetings and

organising substitutes.

David Cumming agreed. He stated that the East West Rail should be a

strategic high-speed line which opens up the full line. The western section

have agreed with government that their section should be a commuter rail

with is unlikely to serve us.

David Cumming provided the update on behalf of Tom Stead for Network

Rail. Network Rail are conducting a strategic review of our long term plans

for the GEML to align with up to date housing and employment data and

the rolling stock changes. This is in line with Network Rail’s change in long

term planning process, which sees them move away from route study to a

modular process known as continuous modular strategic planning. They

will be working closely with stakeholders (local authorities and train and

freight operators) throughout this work stream. There are no further

updates on Haughley Junction, work is progressing as discussed

previously to develop the scheme up to GRIP3, which could allow for the

development of an outline business case.

 Ports (Great Yarmouth, Felixstowe)

No updates.

 Buses (First, Ipswich)

Paul Martin updated the Board. First has had an increase in patronage, as

previously mentioned there are now new ticket machines on buses which

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went out in mid-May, passengers can also make contactless payment

which already represent 10% of payments. First wants to see cash making

up less than 20% as it improves the speed of boarding. Funding has been

secured from Highways England looking at public transport along the A47,

and P&R signage in Ipswich. Worked with Norfolk and Suffolk on their

transforming cities bids.

 Liftshare

No update.

 Sustrans

Philip Broadbent-Yale updated the Board. The Broads Authority are

looking at cycling in Norfolk and Suffolk and there were expressions of

interest made to the LEP for schemes in Great Yarmouth and the Broads.

Norfolk County Council’s recycling the railways schemes are providing

new opportunities for cycling and walking there is also an overlap with

Dutch way-marking for recreation and health. Sustrans are looking towards

partners to maintain connectivity. He stated that it would be helpful if

Highways England look at severance management options like flyovers or

crossings on the A47 and A14. Great Yarmouth Borough Council are

looking at improving their gateways with the potential for bid to improve the

Vauxhall Bridge.

 New Anglia LEP Board (GEML and Ely taskforce)

Ellen Goodwin updated the Board. The LEP are refreshing their evidence

base regarding the GEML to establish when it is best to lobby and what

the priorities are. The Board noted that having a business chair as well as

a political chair would be beneficial. Visiting chancellor 4

July to discuss

Ely area improvements.

4. Pros and Cons of Automated Vehicles

Roger Geffen presented to the Board.

Nick Burfield informed the Board there is an Electric Vehicle driver day being

held in Suffolk on 4

October.

Sue Roper suggested that authorities should promote all sustainable travel.

Suffolk County Council are reviewing the design guide looking at development

in the future. EVs are new and attracting funding but we need to ensure

cycling and walking doesn’t lose out.

5. Integrated Transport Strategy Delivery Plan

Ellen Goodwin explained that the Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) has

been agreed by the LEP Board. The LEP are now looking at the supporting

Delivery Plan for the Economic Strategy as well as the ITS. Ellen asked if

anyone had any comments on the working draft ITS Delivery Plan circulated.

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Cllr Evans pointed out that on page 5 of the ITS itself colleagues felt that

Felixstowe was undersold due to the difference in millions and thousands of

tonnes.

ACTION: All to send any comments to Ellen by Tuesday 31

July 2018.

Nick Burfield asked Ellen if she was attending the Suffolk Chamber’s

Transport and Infrastructure Board meeting and Nova asked if Ellen was

attending Norfolk’s equivalent Board and if the King’s Lynn and Norwich to

Liverpool half hourly services could be added to the Delivery Plan. Ellen

confirmed attendance at both meetings.

6. Transport East update

David Cumming updated the Board explaining that Transport East is looking

to become a sub national transport body and currently New Anglia LEP,

Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Thurrock and Southend are members. The forum

includes upper tier authorities and one district council representative from

each County, there have been some discussions to include other interests

such as members on this Local Transport Board.

Jeff Holdcroft stated there needs to be impetus behind it. We need to see

plans come to fruition and we need clear actions and priorities. We also need

to think about how we take on comments from other interests.

Nova Fairbank stated that the Chamber would like a seat at the table.

Jonathan Denby said it was important to add more than just local authorities’

voices there needs to be sector expertise which can focus on certain areas.

Ellen Goodwin explained there is currently only one private sector member at

Transport East.

David Cumming agreed the work of Transport East has mainly looked at a

work programme of development on a transport strategy and lobbying for

improvements. There has been little about how to involve a wider forum, can

bring comments up at a meeting on Friday. Transport East would need

parliamentary time to form into a sub national transport body there is currently

no time in this parliament. Some years into 2020s which provides an

opportunity to make sure we get it right.

ACTION: Officers to identify how to get businesses and other organisations

voices heard within Transport East.

7. Major Road Network

Graeme Mateer updated the Board. The local authorities have submitted their

responses to the Major Road Network consultation. DfT are expected to make

an announcement this summer. The value of schemes that can be submitted

range from £20-100m although some schemes under £20m could be

considered. In the autumn DfT will publish guidance. DfT want some schemes

that they can do early which could potentially be the A140 Long Stratton

Bypass as they want to see a start in 2021.

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David Cumming explained that Transport East support the A140 Long

Stratton Bypass and their endorsement would encourage government to

listen.

8. Ports and logistics sector skills plan

Ellen Goodwin explained the ports and logistics sector skills plan was for

information given the Board’s previous involvement. She also noted that

there was currently no group identified to help take forward the identified

actions.

9. Any other business

 Suggestions for future agendas

 Changing meeting times

It was agreed to change the meeting times with a 9am Board and 11am

Body.

Chris Soule suggested mind maps be used for lobbying.