Lisa Hughes and Sharon Bunce to lead on this item with Tim Golabek, Service Lead for Transport and Infrastructure and Chris Wheeler, Highways Service Manager in attendance.

Lisa Hughes introduced the item by informing of some of the difficulties people with disabilities have traveling around the Royal Borough.  She informed that 83% of working age adults in the UK held a driving licence, however it was only 55% for those with a disability. People with disabilities need to rely far more on public transport and walking/wheeling.

The Forum were informed by Lisa Hughes that there was very little public transport within the Royal Borough, especially with limited bus services out the parishes. The state of the pavements, particularly the lack of dropped kerbs and street clutter made it very difficult and sometimes impossible for PwD  to get to where they needed, even in town centres. 

Lisa Hughes also raised concern about some of the language used by some RBWM officers in their emails which showed a lack of understanding.  She gave the example of an engineer referring to some crossings having some disability access and describing dropped kerbs as being an enhanced feature.  This lack of understanding was a concern to the Forum. 

Lisa Hughes said that there was a need to upskill officers, especially having an understanding of the relevant Department for Transport regulation and guidance.  She made reference to Government legislation on dropped curbs where there should be a tolerance of no more than 6mm for a dropped curb, yet this was not always followed in the Royal Borough.  She informed that there were some with heights of 18mm and although this did not sound a lot she demonstrated the height difference by stacking pound coins. Lisa recommended that the Council’s outdated SPD be replaced with an updated fit for purpose version and that the ‘Report It’ section of the RBWM website be improved to allow reporting of dropped kerbs that were not fit for purpose. 

Tim Golabek, Service Lead for Transport and Infrastructure, informed the Forum that RBWM had adopted a kerb action plan in 2019, this was currently being updated.  The future road map was getting active travel imbedded into the network, this could be short distance walking or long-distance cycling and linking to bus services.  During the summer of 2021 there was consultation on cycling and walking and there was significant investment put into the budget build. 

With regards to the issues raised Tim Golabek informed that when there was a concern reported the issues is inspected to determine the size of the problem so a correct resolution could be put in place based on safety for all users.  The report it function is reviewed to make sure issues can be reported and that they are sent to the appropriate team to action.  He apologised that there had been some past issues with some officers, all undertook disability training and he would review this.  He also mentioned that one solution may not suit all users and thus there may need to be a compromise and further engagement. 

Lisa Hughes asked for clarification on what was meant by one solution may not fit all and was informed that dropped kerbs with having tactile paving may suit some but could hinder others.  Lisa replied that there was a Dept for Transport specification for uncontrolled crossing which required both kerbs flush to the road surface and tactile paving. It also specified maximum gradients and crossfalls. She gave an example of a new dropped kerb at the end of St Ives Road that was not compliant.  

Cllr Rayner mentioned that with regards to the SPD there would be a number of reports coming to Cabinet to remove old SPD and introduce new ones.

Cllr Singh mentioned the height of the curbs outside the Town Hall were very high, he was informed that officers could not talk about individual schemes but he would look into this.  Cllr Singh also complained about the quality of the sound for those wating the meeting online, Cllr Rayner informed that officers were aware of the issues with sound quality for meetings being held at the Town Hall Council Chamber and a solution was being put in place.

Cllr Bowden informed that he would discuss the issues raised with the appropriate Lead Member.  With regards to pavement clutter he mentioned how he tried to get a pedestrian crossing installed in Eton High Street but he had been informed that this was not possible due to current infrastructure.  There were also new electric charging points being installed that could add further issues for lowering pavements. 

Lisa Hughes reiterated that although there was a section on the RBWM website for reporting issues with pavements there was not an option for reporting issues with dropped kerbs.

Cllr Tisi mentioned that even were there was a dropped kerb in some areas there was a lot of clutter outside shops and restaurants that made navigation difficult.

 Dominic Manley informed that with regards to dropped kerbs he mentioned that it may be difficult to make adaptations for all disabilities but they needed to be compliant and consideration should be given to dependent and independent access. 

The Chairman said that there had been a number of issues raised and requested a future update on them.

Peter Haley reminded the Forum of the plan to move Shopmobility to West Street car park during the regeneration of the Nicholson centre and highlighted the lack of dropped kerbs around that car park. Officers said they would arrange a site visit.

Tim Golabek informed that with regards to the Castle Hill pedestrian project in Windsor it was still planned to go ahead but was still in the tender process. 

The Forum noted the updates.