Agenda item

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval for a programme of projects to be delivered using the net surplus from Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) operations.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the additional detail provided in relation to the BLE allocation for city centre projects and agree the use of the funding for the purposes described in paragraph 3.2.1, noting that the funds would be used at this stage to develop project proposals which would subsequently be reported to the relevant Committee for consideration and approval prior to any works taking place;

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, following consultation with the Chief Officer – Capital, to progress the Place Lighting and Guild Street Improvement projects listed in paragraph 3.2.1, and to bring detailed proposals to a meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee before the end of 2025 for consideration by Members prior to any works taking place;

(c)      approve the release of further BLE surplus income for the purposes described in paragraphs 3.2.3 to 3.2.8 of the report, noting that a three year programme of work for core paths/outdoor access would also be reported back to this Committee by the end of 2025;

(d)      note the additional detail provided in relation to the City Centre Greening LEZ projects in paragraph 3.3.2 and approve the allocation of LEZ surplus income towards these projects; and

(e)      instruct the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, following consultation with the Chief Officer – Operations, to work with partners to progress and deliver the City Centre Greening LEZ projects listed in paragraph 3.3.2, with progress reported back to this Committee in September 2025 as part of the wider report on the Low Emission Zone programme.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

That the Committee approve the recommendations as set out in the report.

Councillor Tissera, seconded by Councillor Malik, moved as an amendment:-

That the Committee:-

(a)      agree recommendations (d) and (e); and

(b)      agree a statutory appeal has been raised against the Council in connection with an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order being made permanent. Having taken preliminary advice from Senior Counsel, the Council is comfortable with its interpretation of the legislation, however if the Council is unsuccessful in defending the statutory appeal, repayment of fines seems a low likelihood, but this could have a high impact if required, therefore subject to approving recommendations 2.4 and 2.5 of the report, take no action at this time until after the appeal verdict.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener; and Councillors Allard, Greig, Henrickson and van Sweeden; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Malik, Nicoll and Tissera.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to note that if Members had any concerns in respect of repairs required to specific core paths, in areas where developer obligations were in place, they could raise these with the Policy and Strategy Manager outwith the meeting; and

(ii)       to adopt the motion.