Camden Council - Information request (FOI/EIR) - Public Realm and Transport Policy Team
Dear Miss Black
Re: Freedom of Information Act 2000
Further to your form, received on 15 January 2010, we are pleased to enclose the requested information
Firstly, and in general, the Council is not responsible for the consultation process relating to the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS). The Mayor of London's office, the London Assembly and the Greater London Authority are responsible for the consultation strategy and process, and local authorities are themselves consulted as key stakeholders.
In response to the specific questions raised in your email:
Camden Council informed the Walking, Cycling and Road Safety Advisory Group (WCRSAG) that the Mayor's Transport Strategy had been published for consultation, provided information relating to how the document could be viewed and how responses could be sent to the GLA. In addition, the dates and venues of the roadshow events were provided. The Group comprises representatives of local interested groups, individuals and ward Councillors who meet with Officers on a bi-monthly basis to raise and discuss relevant issues.
As mentioned above, the Strategy is published by the Mayor of London's office and London Assembly who also manage the consultation process. The Council is aware that The Mayor of London publicised the Strategy on its website : http://www.london.gov.uk/shaping-london/ . Transport for London also provided leaflets and questionnaires on its web site: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/13980.aspx.
The London Borough of Camden was not consulted over the detail of the MTS consultation, nor did the Council discuss the consultation process with TfL or the GLA. Therefore any questions specifically relating to the consultation process should be directed to TfL, the Mayor's Office or the Greater London Authority as the responsible bodies, or through your GLA member.
As above question 3
As question 3
No discussions took place between Camden Council and TfL in relation to how TfL intended to undertake the MTS consultation. TfL did not seek the views of Camden Council and consequently the Council expressed no views as there was no opportunity to do so.
The Council does not have an official view about the consultation process that was undertaken by TfL and did not use the online questionnaire to respond, and can therefore offer no view as to whether it could be considered to be biased.
As stated above, the Council informed some interested parties at the November WCRSAG meeting, however, it is the responsibility of the GLA / TfL to ensure that stakeholders were aware of the consultation.
The Council held one meeting with TfL during the consultation process which was a meeting between the Leader of the Council and Peter Hendy, Transport Commissioner. However, we are not aware of any meetings directly between TfL and local groups in Camden.
As advised earlier, any queries regarding the consultation or pre-consultation process, and TfL's involvement should be directed to TfL or the GLA.
Regarding the Council's support of the Mayor of London's draft Transport Strategy, the Council submitted a formal response to the MTS consultation. The details of the Council's response can be found at http://democracy.camden.gov.uk/alfresco/guestDownload/direct/workspace/SpacesStore/f969823b-0509-11df-b0cf-a90481f8ecc4/2010-01-18-report-Camden%20response%20to%20Mayors%20Transport%20Strategy-Officer%20Key%20Decisions.pdf
The Council supports the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy which promotes cycling, but does not include warnings of the dangers. The Council is committed to promoting and providing for increased levels of cycling as part of its policy to promote sustainable travel and reduce motor traffic. As part of this effort, the Council offers free cycle training in line with the UK Government's National Standard for Cycle Training (Bikeability) to promote safe cycle skills and increase confidence among new cyclists. All cycle trainers are qualified to the National Standard.
The Council also fully supports efforts to switch to cycling in order to meet a range of national and regional objectives, as reflected in the Council's Sustainable Community Strategy (http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/council-and-democracy/plans-and-policies/community-strategy/)
From April 2009, the Council has to report against a number of `environmental sustainability' national indicators (NIs) as part of the new local government performance framework, the Comprehensive Area Assessment. Of particular relevance for transport are the indicators to reduce per capita CO2 emissions and reduce obesity in children. In response, the Council's Sustainable Community Strategy commits to making Camden a low carbon borough and sets local borough-based short- and long-term CO2 reduction targets These include 10% reduction on 2005 levels by 2012, 26-32% reduction on 1990 levels by 2020, and 60% reduction on 1990 levels by 2050. The Strategy also commits to reducing pollution and encouraging physical activity. The Strategy specifically acknowledges road transport's significant contribution to, and costs associated with, rising CO2 emissions and the impacts on global warming, and identifies opportunities for transport to help meet the Council's CO2 reduction targets and wider objectives. These include reducing road traffic by 15% on 2001 levels by 2012, and for 10% of all journeys being made by bike by 2012.
The specific role of cycling in helping to meet these Council wide objectives and targets can be found in the Council's Cycling Plan (http://www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/transport-and-streets/cycling-and-pedestrians/camden-cycling-plan.en)
The Council does not hold any information relating to costs of different proposals, the level of subsidy for each mode, or what costs should be born by the users of each mode.
As above question 13.
As question 13.
The Council has not submitted any representation regarding the consultation process of the MTS and does not intend to do so.
Camden Council, like all London boroughs, is currently preparing its second Local Implementation Plan (LIP). The LIP sets out how the MTS will be implemented in Camden and sets out a local strategy for how Camden will help meet the MTS vision, as well as achieving the specific goals and outcomes. As part of this process, Camden will be undertaking a public consultation with residents, businesses, local groups and other key stakeholders to help set local priorities.
Camden Council will make every effort to consult widely over the coming year to help develop this important local strategy, and which will help decide transport initiatives over the next 5 years. In this regard, please could you provide us with your contact details so that we can add them to our database to ensure that you are sent information regarding the LIP consultation.
We hope that the information is useful to you.
Please note the information is still covered by copyright legislation. You are not authorised to re-use this information for commercial or research purposes as defined by the Re-Use of Public Sector Regulations 2005. If you do wish to re-use this information please contact the Freedom of Information Team, First Floor, 3-5 Cressy Road, London NW3 2ND, who will assess your request.
If you are dissatisfied with this response and wish to appeal, please write to Peter Swingler, Freedom of Information Appeals Panel, Central Complaints Unit, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE and your complaint will be dealt with through our Internal Review procedure.
If you are still not satisfied following the Internal Review, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner. He can be contacted at:
Information Commissioners Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 01625 545 700
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Yours sincerely
Shawn Alexis
Senior Administration Officer
Email: [email address]
Phone: 020 7974 2604
Fax: 020 7974 6952