Contact: Karen Walton, ext 5873 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the programme outlining the expected implementation of the Safer Routes to School schemes, as set out in Appendix 1 and explained in paragraph 1.1 of the attached report, at a total estimated cost of £1.8 million be approved, with expenditure controlled to £1.5 million in 2005/06.

(ii) That preparatory work be undertaken on the provisional programme for 2006/07, as set out in Appendix 2.

1.2 The budget is provisionally allocated to projects pending consideration of alternatives to achieve 2.5% efficiency savings on all projects and programmes, work with the local community and more detailed design work.

2. Reason

2.1 The School Travel Planning team has now secured over 100 approved school travel plans. This programme identifies those that have led to the identification of associated Safer Routes to School highway improvements.

2.2 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 1 (Maximising Life Opportunities) through improved accessibility;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) through promoting alternatives to the car; and

(iii) Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) through improving both actual and perceived road safety on the journey to school.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A smaller programme would address fewer of the schools expecting improvement schemes. A larger programme would start to have an impact on how many other types of schemes can be accommodated by the Transport Capital Programme.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

287/KW