The Minutes of 1 June 2018

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

Minutes of the West of England Combined Authority Committee on st Friday 1 June 2018

Members:

Mayor Tim Bowles, West of England Combined Authority Cllr Tim Warren, Bath & North East Somerset Council Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol City Council Cllr Toby Savage, South Gloucestershire Council

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

1. Welcome & Introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced his colleagues around the table, he welcomed Cllr Toby Savage, the new Leader of South Gloucestershire Council. He drew attention to the evacuation procedure and reminded everyone that the meeting was being recorded and will be available on the website following this meeting.

The Chair noted the Committee’s thanks to Matthew Riddle, former Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, for his contribution to this Committee since its formation in March 2017 and during the formation of the Combined Authority and its first year.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None were received.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 None.

4. MINUTES Decision: That the minutes of the meeting on 18th April 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

5. CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chair extended his thanks to Bristol City Council for hosting this meeting in City Hall.

The Chair gave an overview of the agenda for the Annual General Meeting and noted it would include the election of a Deputy Mayor for the coming year and consider the WECA annual business report.

It would also consider the WECA Business Plan which includes a forward plan of the Committee decisions for the coming year.

The agenda would also cover:

- Proposals to strengthen the governance arrangements for the WECA Investment Fund and One Front Door arrangements - A proposal for match funding of £100k towards feasibility studies for our ambitious future suburban rail plans - Ratification of the appointment of a Statutory Monitoring Officer for WECA

The Chair asked the Committee to defer the Adult Education Budget item to a later meeting, in order to give the members the opportunity to receive and consider the comments made by the Scrutiny Committee and to review the draft order from Government. 6. COMMENTS FROM CHAIR OF LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

The Chair welcomed Professor Stephen West.

Professor West announced he recently attended a national meeting with the LEP Advisory Board to discuss the long-term future of LEPs and the relationships it has with Combined Authorities. He explained that the LEPs are driving the response to the National Industrial

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

Strategy to help form the local Regional Strategy. He noted how important it was that LEP Business Members engage with this process and drive it in partnership with Local Authorities and Combined Authorities. The LEP’s priority is to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth to the region.

Professor West noted he would be attending a meeting with the Prime Minister later this month to discuss what the LEPs are focusing on and how they will be driving the economic growth strategy across the region.

Professor West stressed the importance for the region to be driving the skills agenda and to ensure there is a joined-up way of approaching government to develop and support the skills agenda. He also raised his concerns regarding the review of the visa restriction in the UK, in particularly for the Public Health Sector as it will have an impact on its workforce.

He was pleased to announce that Bristol has been short listed for Channel 4 Headquarters and Hub. Professor West noted this demonstrated joint up working between a number of key stakeholders and will lead the way to attract future investments for the region.

Professor West noted the Business Community expressed their concerns that the removal of the tolls on the Severn Bridge will increase congestion and put pressure on the North Fringe and Filton.

The Chair thanked Professor West and the LEP for all of their work so far and was delighted to hear regarding the Channel 4 announcement.

7. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC Two questions were submitted and have been attached in Appendix 1. The Chair confirmed that 6 statements had been received and invited attendees to speak in the order their statements had been received. All statements are attached in Appendix 2.

7.1 David Redgewell, South West Transport Network, stated that WECA should be focusing on the Bus Strategy, to ensure the quality of services is continued and improved. He raised his concerns that the interchange at Bristol Temple Meads is not fit for purpose and that buses were being moved further away from the train station. He expressed his disappointment for the lack of integrated travel cards for buses, trains and ferries for the region.

7.2 Christina Biggs, Friends of Suburban Bristol Railway, stated her support to David Redgewell’s statement. Ms Biggs stated that the ongoing problem with Portishead Line was very frustrating. She urged North Somerset and WECA to work together and resolve the ongoing problem as soon as possible. Ms Biggs also spoke of how important clean air should be to the region and WECA should be encouraging people to be more considerate of the environment.

7.3 Olga Taylor, Pilning Station Group, congratulated MetroBus for opening M3 route. Ms Taylor asked WECA to support Pilning Station Group with some ‘quick wins’ which they believe would make Pilning station more useful and increase passenger numbers. Ms Taylor stated that by improving Pilning Station it would reduce the number of cars on the road, and help improve the health of those living in the region. Ms Taylor asked for WECA’s support in asking Network Rail reinstating platform lights so evening trains can stop at the station.

7.4 Graham Ellis, TransWilts, asked WECA to implement and facilitate an enhanced bus partnership, with rail, for services that will cross boundaries into neighbouring authorities. Mr Ellis stated this would generate revenue by joining cross boundary transport elements to be

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

more attractive and become an efficient network. Mr Ellis expressed his support for MetroWest project.

7.5 Anne O’Driscoll, North Bristol SusCom, spoke of her concerns that the removal of the Severn Bridge Tolls will create additional traffic for North Bristol and have an impact the environment and air quality.

7.6 Cllr Tim Kent, Bristol City Council, stated that the delivery and management of the MetroBus project has been very poor. He asked WECA to take responsibility for this project. Cllr Kent also noted he was unhappy with the delays of routes and removing of routes in his ward.

8 PETITIONS

None

9. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR / DEPUTY MAYOR

The Chair explained that this is an annual appointment and extended his thanks to Cllr Warren for his support as Deputy Mayor during his first year in office.

The Chair nominated Cllr Warren as Deputy Mayor.

This was seconded by Cllr Savage. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities. Resolved: Cllr Warren was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

10 ANNUAL BUSINESS REPORT

The Chair introduced the annual business report explaining that it sets out the following: - three amendments to the constitution - updates the committee on the appointment of statutory officers - the process for appointment of Members to Scrutiny and Audit Committees - a calendar of meetings for the year

The Chair moved the recommendation and it was seconded by Cllr Savage. The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that in line with the constitution, recommendation 1 required a unanimous vote by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities. Resolved: 1. Approve the amendments to the Constitution included at Appendix 1 to this report.

The Chair moved to vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, recommendation 2-4 required a majority decision of the three local authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. 2. Approve the continued appointment of Tim Richens as the Interim Chief Financial Officer,

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

3. Request from the Constituent Councils nominations to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Audit Committee from within their membership on a politically balanced basis as set out in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the report.

4. Approves the calendar of Meetings for 2018 /19 attached as Appendix 2.

11. BUSINESS PLAN

The Chair introduced the WECA Business Plan report and explained that, following the WECA Committee meeting in April, it was requested a final version of this plan to be reported to WECA Committee for approval. In addition, an equalities impact assessment and risk assessment have also been completed. The Chair noted the business plan has been used to inform the forward plan of key decisions for this Committee which is appended to the report.

The Chair moved the recommendations in the report.

Cllr Savage seconded the recommendations.

Mayor Rees stressed that this is an important plan for the region and WECA should be making a commitment to the equality assessment.

12 ADULT EDUCATION BUDGET

The Chair proposed that this item is deferred to an additional meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee at a future date. The Chair noted that this report was discussed at Scrutiny and he would like the committee to have an opportunity to review and consider Scrutiny’s comments. There will also be a draft of the order issued by Government in mid-June and this will give the opportunity for the committee to review this document.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities.

13 PROGRAMME GOVERNANCES

The Chair introduced the report explaining it proposed amendments to governance arrangements and a set of delegations to ensure timely and effective monitoring of the Investment Fund and One Front Door schemes as a programme.

Collectively these funds are delivering a portfolio of upwards of £1.65BN by 2046 and the report set out a professional system of governance and management information to monitor progress, prompt action to address issues at early stage, and, give confidence that the funds allocated are achieving good value for money.

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

The report also proposed an initial allocation of match funding to support the development of feasibility studies for future suburban rail plans.

The Chair moved the recommendations in the report.

Cllr Savage seconded the recommendations. Cllr Savage commented on recommendation 4, noting that it is a positive opportunity for WECA to work in partnership with Network Rail with match funding for rail. He asked that future work compliments previous work achieved by the Local Authorities.

The Chair echoed Cllr Savage’s comments noting that it was important to support the suburban rail plans and will continue to work through with the Chief Executives and Directors.

Mayor Rees commented that this does come with its own challenges with new relationships between the Combined Authority and the Local Authorities. He stressed how important it is to work together effectively to secure success.

Cllr Warren stated that it was great to see projects moving forward and that this would not had happened without WECA. The Local Authorities and Combined Authority will continue working closely together.

Professor West commented that the LEP Business Community are keen to encourage North Somerset Council to join WECA to help the region to compete with the rest of the UK. They plan to continue working in partnership with North Somerset.

The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, recommendations 1-3 required a majority decision of the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. Resolved: 1. Agree the proposed governance approach set out in Appendix 1 2. Approves the Investment Fund delegations set out in Appendix 2 3. Approves the updated Investment Fund Assurance Framework shown in Appendix 4.

The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, recommendation 4 required a unanimous decision of the three Local Authorities. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities. Resolved: 4. Approves up to £100K of revenue funding from the WECA Investment Fund to support the development of feasibility studies for future suburban rail plans.

The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, recommendation 5 required a majority decision of the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. Resolved: 5. That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the WECA Mayor, be delegated authority to approve the allocation of this funding to specific feasibility studies.

DRAFT Minutes – WECA Committee 1 June 2018

The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that, in line with the constitution, recommendation 6 required a majority decision of the three Local Authorities. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities. Resolved: 6. That the S151 Officer be authorised to make all necessary amendments to the WECA Budget and the Mayoral Budget for 2018/19 to support the allocation of this funding. 14. RATIFICATION OF STATUTORY APPOINTMENT: MONITORING OFFICE

The Chair introduced the final report that asks the Committee to formally ratify the recommendation that Shahzia Daya is appointed as the statutory Monitoring Officer for the West of England Combined Authority.

The Chair moved the recommendations in the report.

Mayor Rees seconded the recommendations, noting that Bristol City Council wished her all the best for the future.

Cllr Warren also noted he wished her the best for the future.

The Chair moved to the vote, and confirmed that in line with the constitution for recommendation 1 required a majority decision of the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously by the three Local Authorities and the Combined Authority Mayor. Resolved: 1. The WECA Committee is asked to formally ratify the recommendation that Shahzia Daya is appointed as the statutory Monitoring Officer for the West of England Combined Authority. ANY OTHER ITEM THE CHAIR DECIDES IS URGENT 15.

There were no urgent items.

The meeting closed at 11.24.

Signed:

Date:

Chair, West of England Combined Authority

APPENDIX ONE – PUBLIC QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

APPENDIX TWO – PUBLIC STATEMENT

Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Questions 1st June 2018

Public Forum

Questions Received

1 Cllr Claire Young, South Gloucestershire Council Mayoral Spatial Plan

2 Cllr Antony Negus West of England Combined Authority Skills and Learning Budget

Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Questions 1st June 2018

Question 1

Cllr Claire Young, South Gloucestershire Council

Does the Mayor envisage that the five South Gloucestershire SDLs in the Joint Spatial Plan, including Buckover and Coalpit Heath, will be included in the Mayoral Spatial Plan that he has to produce?

Answer:

The Mayoral Spatial Plan scope is yet to be defined and the outcome of the Joint Spatial Plan examination will be a factor to consider. It is premature to therefore provide any comment on the content of the Mayoral Plan at this time.

Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Questions 1st June 2018

Question 2

Cllr Antony Negus, Bristol City Council

Will the metro mayor be creative and flexible in the future deployment of some of the WECA Skills and Learning budget to address gaps that are set to arise soon in the capacity of Bristol’s library service in areas such as distance learning, job applications and courses?

Answer:

“Devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) will increase and improve the relevance to, and impact of, this funding stream on WECA residents, local employers and the local economy.

The WECA area is generally affluent, with a strong economy and a highly skilled workforce. However, significant challenges that constrain our joint prosperity exist. This includes issues relating to: inequality, skills shortages, skills vacancies and local productivity. These issues impact on:

• WECA residents including some of our most deprived and marginalised individuals/communities and constrain their ability to benefit from the economic prosperity the region generates; • Employers across a wide range of key local employers and sectors, constraining their ability to deliver business objectives; • The overall growth, productivity, and prosperity generated by, our local economy.

Through a measured and evidence based process WECA will increase the local impact of AEB by focusing on:

• The mix and balance of AEB provision, so that it is better aligned to the demonstrated needs of the local area; • Ensuring that the AEB funding rules enable providers to effectively and efficiently respond to key local groups and priorities; • Ensuring WECA funded AEB providers plan together in a joined-up manner supporting learners to move between pathways and provision, and as such addressing both business and individual needs.

This will be achieved by working with a wide range of partners (including constituent local authorities, AEB providers, residents, employers and other local stakeholders) to ensure we realise the benefits afforded by AEB devolution through integrated planning of the adult education offer across the WECA area.

We will balance our focus on the results we want to achieve with the critical need to maintain a viable and stable provider base. We expect the results of this collaborative endeavour will start to be realised over the first three years of devolved AEB funding. We will develop appropriate outcome measures to evidence the effects of devolution.” Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

Public Forum

Statements Received

Statement Name, organisation 1. David Redgewell, South West Transport Network West of England Transport Links 2. Christina Biggs, Friends of Suburban Bristol Railway FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 3. Olga Taylor, Pilning Station Group Pilning Railway Station – Quick Wins (Update) 4. Graham Ellis, TransWilts Community Rail Partnership Public Transport Services across the Region 5. Ann O’Driscoll, North Bristol SusCom Severn Bridge Tolls 6. Cllr Tim Kent, Bristol City Council MetroBus Delivery

Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

Statement 1

David Redgewell, SWTN

Bus Strategy • The Combined Authority needs a Bus Strategy for its area plus N Somerset, it should also focus on corridors such as Bath to Frome, Chippenham and Melksham • The approach should be that of Quality Partnerships with First and other operators

Bristol Temple Meads Integration • There should continue to be good integration between Rail, Bus and Ferry • Bus Stops need to be retained as close to the trains as possible • The interchange should be kept as easy as it is now • Stops for services to Wells, Glastonbury, Bath, Stockwood and Brislington should be protected

MetroWest Phase One I request an update on the current position on Metro West Phase One and assurances on what is planned specifically around Portbury, Henbury Loop and the Portishead Line

Rail WECA needs to set up some scrutiny over the Cross Country franchise and attend all relevant meetings as required Specific points • number of carriages and length of trains • frequency of service • transport security and the installation and use of CCTV on all trains • Re introduce refurbished HST’s on Penzance to Stafford • Additional calls at Bridgwater and Worle

Integrated Ticketing WECA to pursue an Integrated Travel Card for use on all buses, trains and ferries

Light Rail WECA to pursue realistic Light Rail plans with the first route to Bristol Airport.

Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

First of all South West Transport Network support the statement made to BANES Full Council on 10th May 2018 on bus services made by Graham Ellis - Community Rail Officer for the Trans-Wilts Community Rail Partnership below :-

"Four buses an hour from Melksham into Bath is a golden opportunity to nurture modal change - to have people willingly shift from car to public transport, with its environmental gains (congestion, air pollution, resource conservation) by offering them a carrot (cheap fares, no problem finding parking, bus lane journeys) rather than by waving a stick. And with two buses an hour (D3 from First) going via Melksham Forest, Atworth and Box, and the other one or two (x72 from Faresaver) from Devizes and via Shaw and Bathford, the service is "feathered out" to pick up and drop off very close to many people's homes. "Park and Ride"? Sort of - park at home and ride all the way in. There's a commonality of routes though - from Bowerhill, Melksham Town Centre, and Atworth and we really hope that the new service does not get turned into a bus war between the services.

The regulatory frameworks currently used on commercial routes place operators in competition with each other, to the extent that they haven't even been allowed to co-operate in many ways as that could be regarded as a cartel by the Competition and Mergers Authority. This may be in the interest of any potential further operators wishing to enter this market, but results in such outcomes as return tickets that are not interchangeable between operators, buses running close together and then with a longish gap, and separate timetables ... when what the customer wants is a bus going where he wants to go, when he wants to go, safely and comfortably, with welcome staff. Which uniform (if any) the staff wear is of little consequence, though facilities such as WiFi and the particular routes taken in town might be.

Enhanced and Advanced Partnership schemes (2017 Bus Services Act) allow local transport authorities - that's BANES and Wiltshire Councils in the case of the D1 and D3 - to help broker and maintain co-operation between operators within their area or part of it. And doing this makes huge sense in areas where the true competition and future market is the private car traveller. True, there can be easy short term business gains for one or other operator on a flow doing so well that they gain a dominant position or monopoly, but in the long term the loss is that of the community of one of the services.

On the Bath to Melksham and Devizes route, First and Faresaver overlap during the day on Monday to Saturday for passengers from Melksham Town and a couple of other places mentioned above. Faresaver serve extra locations during these times - the key one being Devizes. First serve other additional locations - notably the residential areas of Melksham - and also cover most of the extra Faresaver destinations in the evenings and on Sundays. Neither is a complete service for all locations, and it's in the intreest of the communities, public transport, and indeed both companies for both to survive - and indeed both to thrive.

Faresaver and First are very different organisations - a family run business, concentrating on daytime and specific passenger flows such as seniors and some commuter flows, and the subsidiary of a large company that operates across wide parts of the UK and beyond, and in our area provides not only the high peak, specific flow journeys but also journeys which cover the far more general need. Personally, when travelling between Melksham and Bath I find myself almost inevitably using the First Bus; I a not yet old enough to use a senior card so need to use the same company both ways, and the longer day (and Sunday) service from First means my choice is clear most times.

I would strongly support the co-operative implementation of a bus partnership for our area. And indeed I could offer very limited assistance via TransWilts - a Community Interest Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

Company - to the bus operators and local authoritys. With modest funding sponsorship, TransWilts could take a far more active role in setting up and maintaining such a scheme, including partnership synchronisation and marketing. Single timetable, regular services combed together, interchangeable tickets, joint marketing promotion for the benefit of both. Very happy to talk in more detail at a later date; we do have the background, team, connections, and a track record.

It is possible to travel by train from Melksham to Bath too, but this involves a change and the service is much less frequent. We would not anticipate through services, nor a frequency increase to rival the current bus frequency, in the foreseeable future, and for this journey the train is not a competitor nor will it become one any time soon."

SWTN believe that the bus timetable should be better co-ordinated by BANES/West Wilts Councils, Faresaver and First to provide a regular service frequency between Bath,/Chippenham/Melksham/Devizes instead of buses following each-other and then leaving a large gap in services until the next one.

With regards to the light rail consultation starting in June 2018 we wish to make the following comments :-

Bath - Warmley light rail consultation (Light rail around Bristol and Bath) We want to see the budget for the light rail consultation studies in the Greater Bristol area to be fully protected and support the principles of a light rail route to Bristol Airport as a top priority and later to Bath especially from Lambridge across the City to Newbridge which could then make use of the light rail corridor to Bristol through Bitton, Saltford, Kelston, Warmley to Yate and East Bristol via Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Fishponds as well as linking into the RUH at Weston, the new Bath Spa Art & Design College at Weston Lock and Park & Ride sites which need to be co-ordinated with the Bristol Mayor's rapid transit project. The two schemes must link to Warmley and Emersons Green. Retention of Avon Valley Railway steam services at weekends. Provision should be made for a continuous cycle/walkway between Bristol and Bath where possible. The implementation of light rail will help bring the City region into line with EU emission and clean air targets together with clean fuel buses and taxi's.

A future extension of the light rail line towards East Bristol would provide economic and employment benefits to those living in the Bristol BS5 area (which still has higher than average levels of employment and social deprivation) by improving access to employment/study opportunities around the North Fringe and the Emersons Green Science Park.

The corridor to Odd Down is welcomed however the majority of the traffic is to the Somer Valley at Peasedown, Radstock and Mid Somer Norton and therefore an extension of a rapid transit system to this area would be beneficial. What evaluation of the Somerset and Dorset railway corridor has been carried out as Norton Radstock is an enterprise zone and needs public transport improvement. A new light rail station at Warmley could be an interchange for buses for the Kingswood area. South West Transport Network would also like the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Board to note the following points concerning the Bristol City Centre Framework consultation :-

1. retain bus lanes in both directions from Temple Meads - Bond Street - City Centre and convert to light rail use. Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

2. improved bus stops on the Haymarket including bus shelters, borders and castle kerbs.

3. design for light rail use at Haymarket roundabout but no major traffic use due to air quality problems.

4. Get rid of Lawrence Hill and Bearpit roundabouts.

5. Creat a coach station at the bottom of the M32 and a ferry/bus/light rail interchange at the Friary, Temple Meads.

6. upgrade public realm around Castle Park, High Street (including the Rummer pub), demolish derelict Norwich Union building to improve tourism.

7. improve public realm around the coach station and St James Park including disabled access to the coach station.

8. support new hotel by the M32 (Newfoundland Way).

9. improve Lawrence Hill, Montpelier, Clifton Down stations.

10. improve public realm around Temple Meads to retain Grosvenor & George and Railway hotels.

11. more soft landscaping around City Centre, hanging baskets, fountains as you would expect in a European city.

12. the plan is weak on tourism strategy.

13. the city centre should be a hub for bus/light rail/tram-train as part of a future network to feed outwards to Bristol Airport, Severn Beach, Henbury loop, East Bristol towards the new Science Park and a possible Bristol Arena at Temple Meads or Filton.

DAVID REDGEWELL (SWTN)

Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR)

Statement to WECA Committee and WoE Joint Committee Friday 1 June 2018

Preamble: FOSBR welcomes the WECA Business Plan 2018-19 with its inclusion of the rail components of MetroWest, Bristol Temple Meads, Charfield, Yate and Keynsham, and presents the final version of our FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 as our recommendations for the rail component of the WECA Joint Local Transport Plan. We congratulate FirstBus on their recent delivery of the MetroBus service to Emerson’s Green, noting however that the rail network has much better regional coverage and connectivity than the three MetroBus routes under construction, as well as being completely independent of road congestion. We would therefore encourage WECA to persevere with a regional rail plan as this will be a significant contributor to improved air quality across the whole region.

1. Portishead Line - FOSBR regrets that the Portishead Line top-up bid of £48 million was rejected, and encourages both WECA and the West of England Joint Committee to seek other sources of funding. We would also hope that N Somerset would consider again the benefits of joining as a full member of WECA so as to gain full access to the devolution funds. We would point out that Portishead car commuting is contributing to the poor air quality in central Bristol and elsewhere and therefore should be of concern to WECA.

2. Severn Beach Line - We would like to highlight the considerable number of delays and cancellations on the Severn Beach Line since July 2017, and would urge WECA to take an interest in the delivery of the current franchise, in particular communicating with both GWR and Network Rail about the rolling stock and re-signalling issues. For this to be effective, we would urge WECA to take on rail powers and operational oversight of the rail network. This is an urgent issue as ridership is currently falling and will be resulting in increased car commuting with direct impact on air quality.

3. The longer-term proposals in our FOSBR Rail Plan should give a more robust “fix” to the current problems in local rail services – in particular completing the Filton Bank works and remodelling Bristol East Junction. We would ask WECA to consider working up proposals for selective double-tracking of the Severn Beach Line as the single-track sections are highly sensitive to any delays.

4. We continue to ask that the Henbury Loop and the Tytherington Line should be fully exploited so as to provide the West of England with a truly rapid-transit network which is fully independent of road congestion. In particular, a Thornbury Line would considerably reduce traffic on the M32.

5. We note that Bristol Airport wishes to expand, and would ask that any expansion is accompanied with matching public transport provision, starting with a rail-bus link to Nailsea and Backwell station, which has a half-hour train service and regional connectivity to Cardiff, Gloucester and Taunton.

6. Pilning - FOSBR would wish to point out that if Pilning footbridge is delivered (for £2 million) in 2018, a commuter service could be delivered in the December 2018 timetable as one of WECA’s contributions to the current Clean Air proposals and illustrative of the potential for rail as the only long-term solution to both the regional congestion and regional air quality concerns. We attach the submission by SevernNet to the S Glos Local Transport Plan consultation to supplement the Cost- Benefit analysis from UWE.

7. In the mean time, we draw WECA’s attention to the current Clean Air Plan directives from central government following from the Client Earth challenge, and urge WECA to reserve some of its devolution funding to enable a pain-free transition to Clean Air Zones in the three constituent authorities. This would be best in the form of an up-front Mitigation fund to enable financially vulnerable businesses to convert to cleaner vehicles.

Christina Biggs (FOSBR Secretary) FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 – car-free travel from your door

A reliable half-hour train service: • WECA to have rail powers and operational oversight; • Longer trains with more seats and room for cycles; • Rail-bus interchanges at Filton Abbey Wood for Southmead Hospital and Nailsea & Backwell for Bristol Airport, accurate real-time bus information at stations; • Multi-modal smart ticketing , with guards on all trains; • Delivery of MetroWest Phase 1A half-hour train service between Avonmouth and Bath , hourly to Severn Beach; • 30 min service for Patchway, Parson St and Bedminster; • Future 15 or 20 minute frequency. Robust infrastructure to unlock capacity: • Completion of Filton Bank four-tracking; • Bristol East and Westerleigh Junction remodelling; • Replace footbridge at Pilning for Severnside commuters; • Emission-free trains: electrification to Bristol Temple Meads and battery or hydrogen-fuelled local trains; • Extra platforms and bus hub at Temple Meads; • Selective double-tracking of Severn Beach Line. Reopening stations across the network: • Deliver Portishead line with an initial hourly service with planning for half-hour service; • Henbury Spur extension to Henbury Loop; • Welcoming WECA’s proposals for Horfield (at Constable Rd), St Anne’s, Saltford, Ashton Gate & Charfield; • Consideration of further stations at Coalpit Heath, Chittening, Uphill/Locking, Corsham & Long Ashton; • Exploring an extension of Tytherington line to Thornbury.

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis

February 2018

Dr David Williams.

About the Author: Dr David Williams is a Research Associate at the University of the West of England. Dr Williams has a background in transport planning and assessment for local authorities in the West of England. This work was conducted in Dr Williams’ own time for FOSBR and the findings are his own work and do not reflect the views of the University of the West of England.

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 2

CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Feasibility 3

Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) 4

Assumptions 4

Calculation 6

Summary 7

Next Steps 7

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 3

Introduction

The Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) have requested that a cost benefit analysis be completed to support their case for the installation of a new footbridge at Pilning station in South Gloucestershire, to the north west of the city of Bristol. The case is being made to the GWR Franchise consultation that closes on 21 February 2018. The original footbridge was removed in 2016 as part of Network Rail’s electrification programme1 and it was deemed not cost effective to replace it due to the low number of passengers using the station, with just 230 people using the station in 2016/172. The low number of passengers, up from 46 in 2015/16, is due to the fact that the station is served by just two trains a week, at 0834 and 1534 on a Saturday. Network Rail has estimated that the installation of an equalities compliant bridge at the station will cost £2 million and FOSBR have requested that the installation of this bridge be included within the next stage of the GWR franchise after 2020.

Feasibility PROPOSED M49 AVONMOUTH JUNCTION4 Since Network Rail’s decision not to replace the footbridge in 2016 there have been several changes to transportation within the Greater Bristol area surrounding Pilning Station. Highways England has announced plans to construct a new junction on the M49 motorway that would provide greater access to the station. This new junction provides Bristol City Council with the opportunity to develop a Park and Rail site at the station, reducing trips into Bristol city centre. This is important as Bristol City Council is currently developing options for installing a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) within the city centre to comply air quality standards3. Developing Park and Rail facilities at Pilning station, through the construction of a pedestrian bridge and surface level car parking would provide a relatively low cost option compared to the construction of a new Park and Ride site served by buses. The new junction is expected to cost between £25m and £50m, but as yet no date has been set for its construction.

The second change to transportation in the Greater Bristol area is the proposed expansion of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and the associated additional traffic this will have. Pilning railway station is situated 4.8km away from The Mall site. The Transport Review Group for the development’s travel plan have stated to FOSBR that if more frequent services were reintroduced to Pilning Station they would consider running a shuttle bus to/from the station to serve their customers who wished to travel by train, rather than car.

The final change comes from the businesses to the south of Pilning Station based at Severnside. SevernNet, a consortia of businesses on at Severnside, are interested in running shuttle buses for their staff to/from the station providing the services meet fit with current shift patterns. All three of these changes suggest that the re-installation of a footbridge at Pilning station should be considered as part of the next GWR franchise as they would provide benefits for

1 Sims, A. (2016) http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/14587196.Rail_platform_and_footbridge_set_for_closure_in_Pilning/ 2 ORR (2018) http://orr.gov.uk/statistics/published-stats/station-usage-estimates 3 BBC (2017) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-40865101 4 Highways England (2017) http://roads/highways.gov.uk

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 4

travel within the Greater Bristol area.

Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) The Department for Transport’s Web-based Transport Analysis Guidance (WebTAG) provides advice on transport modelling and appraisal for highways and public transport interventions. This is based on HM Treasury’s Green Book to explore a wide range of impacts from a transport intervention. Rail interventions are based on the same approach. For the purposes of this analysis three scenarios will be tested to demonstrate the benefits of installing the bridge. This will be based on the Carbon

Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) reductions from people travelling by train compared to driving within the Greater Bristol area. It is not possible to capture the wider economic benefits or social benefits of this scheme due to the lack of available data. The analysis is therefore designed to demonstrate the benefits in one area, emissions, with the request that WECA conduct a full CBA as part of the Joint Local Transport Plan for the implementation of the bridge in line with its inclusion in the next GWR franchise period.

Assumptions

As with any model a set of assumptions will be included. These will be outlined below.

The CBA will be based on the assumption that additional train services will be provided to/from Pilning Station by Great Western Railways as part of their next franchise to meet the demands of Severnside businesses and The Mall’s customers. The table below includes the proposed services which would include 10 services a day in each direction. This number of services has been used for the CBA as it would provide services to serve shift patterns at Severnside and the majority of the weekend trips to The Mall.

The second assumption is based on the type of car that will be taken off the road. For this scenario the findings are based on a 1.6ltr Diesel Ford Focus, the most popular car in Britain. The Ford Focus emits 114 grams of CO2 per 5 kilometre and between 0.5 and 0.75 grams of NOx per kilometre6. The cost of these emissions to the environment is approximately £0.05/kilometre7.

The CBA will test the three scenarios.

5 EU (2015) https://www.energy.eu/car-co2-emissions/ford.php 6 Emissions Analytics (2018) http://equaindex.com/equa-air-quality-index/ 7 MyClimate.org (2016) https://co2.myclimate.org/en/portfolios?calculation_id=1045204&localized_currency=GBP

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 5

Scenario 1 – 10 passengers will use Pilning Station/train

Scenario 2 – 20 passengers will use Pilning station/train

Scenario 3 – 40 passengers will use Pilning Station/train

An assumption has been made that each of these passengers would travel 40km by car if they were not travelling by train.

The trains currently running this line run on diesel and therefore emit CO2 and NOx. These trains will be running on this line whether they stop at Pilning or not. The level of emissions per service is therefore negligible and has been discounted for the purposes of this analysis. Further research would need to incorporate these figures.

APPROX DAY DIRECTION TIME PURPOSE MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0530 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0630 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0730 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0750 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 0830 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1330 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1430 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1600 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 1930 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Bristol to Pilning 2030 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0530 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0630 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0730 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0750 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 0830 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1330 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1430 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1600 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 1930 Serving Businesses at Severnside MON-FRI Newport to Pilning 2030 Serving Businesses at Severnside SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 0930 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1030 Serving the Mall

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 6

APPROX DAY DIRECTION TIME PURPOSE SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1130 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1230 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1330 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1430 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1530 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1630 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1730 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Bristol to Pilning 1830 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 0930 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1030 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1130 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1230 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1330 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1430 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1530 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1630 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1730 Serving the Mall SAT-SUN Newport to Pilning 1830 Serving the Mall

Calculation The calculations are based on the use of the station for 363 days of the year, with each person saving 40km of travel by car. The first table shows the financial benefits per day of the three scenarios. With scenario 1 an average of 10 passengers per train there is a £4,000 financial benefit for the local environment due to the emissions saved, with this increasing to £16,000 if there were 40 passengers alighting per train.

NO. TRAIN NO. TOTAL DISTANCE BY CO2 NOX EMISSIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/ PASSENGERS/ PASSENGER CAR SAVED EMISSIONS SAVED/DAY SAVING/DAY (£) DAY TRAIN S/ DAY (40KM/ SAVED/DAY (0.625G/KM) PASSENGER) (114G/KM)

20 10 200 8,000km 912kg CO2 5kg £4,000

20 20 400 16,000km 1,824kg CO2 10kg £8,000

20 40 800 32,000km 3,648kg CO2 20kg £16,000

For the year the figures demonstrate that for Scenario 1, 10 passengers per train the environmental benefits would be £1.4m per year, with this increasing to £5.8m for Scenario 3, with 40 passengers per train.

Pilning Station Footbridge Cost Benefit Analysis | 7

NO. TRAIN NO. TOTAL DISTANCE BY CO2 NOX EMISSIONS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/ PASSENGERS/ PASSENGER CAR SAVED EMISSIONS SAVED/ YEAR SAVING/YEAR (£) YEAR TRAIN S/ YEAR (40KM/ SAVED/ (0.625G/KM) PASSENGER) YEAR (114G/KM) 72,600 2,904,000km 331,056 kg 1,815 kg £1,452,000 7260 10 CO2 7260 20 145,200 5,808,000km 662,112 kg 3,630 kg £2,904,000 CO2 290,400 11,616,000km 1,324,224 7,260 kg £5,808,000 7260 40 kg CO2

Summary

The results show that if GWR were to provide 10 services a day to Pilning station and that if each train had 10 passengers either alight or board the service the environmental savings for the West of England area of installing the footbridge at Pilning at the cost of £2m would be paid back in under 18 months. In the most optimistic scenario (Scenario 3) this would be paid back in just under four months, in terms of environmental benefits for the Greater Bristol area.

The findings do not include any calculations of economic or social benefits of implementing this scheme, that would be added to this equation to demonstrate the full benefits.

This report concludes that providing GWR were prepared to run these services and work together with SevernNet and The

Mall’s transport plan team, it would be possible to provide these services and help reduce emissions CO2 and NOx in the Greater Bristol area. Next Steps The results of this analysis show that the provision of services and a new footbridge at Pilning station have the potential to provide an environmental benefit to the Greater Bristol area in terms of emissions reduction. Therefore this report recommends that the installation of a bridge and the introduction of services be considered for the next GWR franchise period by the Department for Transport.

The installation of the footbridge, additional trains, new junction for the M49 linking to Pilning station and a Park and Rail site to be delivered at the station should also be included for consideration at Pilning as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s Joint Local Transport Plan. Once the scheme is included in both these plans it will be possible to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the schemes to demonstrate the wider benefits the enhancement of this station can provide to the Greater Bristol area moving forward.

30 th April 2018

Getting people to work across SevernNet area and the critical role of transport infrastructure and services

This document is SevernNet’s submission to the S. Gloucestershire Local Plan Consultation.

SevernNet is an enterprise run by, and for, the businesses and communities in and adjacent to Royal Portbury Dock, Avonmouth, Severnside and Severn Beach/Western Approach industrial areas. Our membership includes the largest employers and SMEs from across the area. These include The Bristol Port Company, Nisbets, GKN Aerospace, Etex Building Performance, Lidl, Warburtons, Avara Pharmaceutical, Amazon, GENeco and Oasis Bridestowe Academy.

The ‘ SevernNet Area’ extends over 10 miles, and includes Royal Portbury Dock and the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA). The area is heavily industrialised, supporting over 30,000 jobs with an additional 10,000 expected in the next 5 years.

The area is also very poorly supported by public transport and the Severn Beach Line provides an essential service.

Sustainable transport links are becoming increasingly critical as the number of jobs and vacancies across the area grow, local numbers looking for work decrease (as unemployment shrinks) and the number of job seekers and younger people who have a driving licence and/or have access to a car decrease. Without improvements in the local transport system the forecast economic growth will be unachievable.

Rail and Bus Services An essential element within the MetroWest Phase 1 programme is improvement to the Severn Beach Line . This is a vital link between Bristol and ASEA.

This service has suffered from considerable delays, cancellations and service turn backs over the last nine months. This has had a major impact on businesses and their employees across ASEA.

A reliable and comfortable half hourly service to Avonmouth with an hourly extension to Severn Beach is required as soon as possible. The capacity to transport bicycles is also important. Cycling is an important and growing transport connector in the area to help cover ‘the last mile’ between the train and work/home.

SevernNet and partners have set up, operate and manage a local shuttle bus service on behalf of local employers to link the train service to local businesses. It is essential that we co-operate to ensure these services are linked. This service, the SevernNet Flyer, was established in Jan. 2016 as a grant funded pilot. Its aim was to link the local villages, bus and train commuters with the industrial areas in Avonmouth. Since August 2017 the service has been rebranded as the SevernNet buzz and is employer funded. The utility of this service is negatively impacted by cancelled or late trains arriving at Avonmouth Station damaging the ongoing viability of the SevernNet buzz. It is essential that the reliability of the service is improved and that any changes to the service, including rolling stock, are properly risk assessed and necessary resources put in place to ensure a continuing service.

SevernNet Limited Contact: Kate Royston c/o The Bristol Port Company +44 (0)7969 569444 St. Andrew’s House St. Andrew’s Road [email protected] Avonmouth www.severnnet.org BS11 9DQ Registered with Companies House, number 8319758

The Severn Beach hourly extension is increasingly important as the potential of the area for growth increases. The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area within S. Gloucester, which can be reached by Severn Beach station is anticipated to see an additional 10,000+ jobs in the next 5 years. There are few alternative transport options in the area. New employers moving into the area during 2018 (autumn) include Lidl (500+ staff) and Amazon (3,500 staff).

SevernNet is working with these employers to provide extensions to the SevernNet buzz to provide more links between the train, bus services, residential areas and the Severn Beach area to complement and supplement the train. The co-operation and support of S. Glos. Council and other stakeholders is essential to assist with this.

The MetroWest Phase 1 rail improvements from Portishead to Pill have the potential to ease journeys into the SevernNet Area and are welcomed. They are also important for the local residents. Providing links from Pill into Royal Portbury Dock and across the river will be essential to improve the utility of these services, encourage more train usage and keep cars off the road. Whilst we appreciate hub and spoke service provision into Temple Meads and back out again may seem a good way to schedule, the additional journey time may well be a deterrent for people working in the SevernNet area and travelling from N. Somerset Working closely together on resolving the ‘last mile(s)’ of the journey is essential .

The MetroWest Phase 1 improvements from other areas of North Somerset, in particular Weston , and the Bath side of Bristol linking into the Severn Beach Line to Avonmouth and Severn Beach are also welcomed, together with the planned MetroWest Phase 2 improvements. Local employers are recruiting further afield as numbers in Bristol seeking employment reduce.

We do have a concern with Temple Meads as a potential ‘single point of failure’. Longer term options to connect travellers along the coast between Pill/Portbury and Avonmouth should be considered.

Pilning Station As the northern end of the ASEA expands, consideration should also be given to Pilning as a station to serve an employment area likely to reach 20,000+ in the next 10+ years.

Pilning Station is situated adjacent to Western Approach, Central Park and the Westgate developments and has the potential to bring employees directly from Wales and North Bristol without additional legs into and out of Temple Meads. This would ease recruitment challenges and could reduce the impact of car journeys. Significant numbers of commuters are travelling into Royal Portbury Dock and ASEA from Wales and these are expected to increase.

Major employers in Western Approach Industrial Park and Central Park strongly support the development of Pilning as a commuter station. These include UK Mail, Tesco Stores (Regional Distribution Centre), GKN Aerospace, Lidl, Next and Amazon.

We support the FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 to enable ‘car-free travel from your door’ (see attached).

Cycle and Walking Network Improvements to the local cycle and walking network is also key. SevernNet is in discussion with Sustrans, Bristol City Council, S. Glos. Council and Highways England to establish a SevernNet Area cycle and walking network supported by an easily accessible network map, clear and accurate signage, a network of local cycle and walking champions and related support. An essential element for this to be successful is an agreed and funded framework to ensure cycle and walking infrastructure is well maintained; and investment can be made available for missing or poor quality sections of the network.

Page no: 2

Many people aspire to cycle and/or walk to work either as all, or a part, of their journey. However the high levels of HGV traffic in the area, poor quality of the paths and poor signage is daunting and puts people off. A number of employers actively discourage cycling through safety concerns.

The difficulties of travelling on the train with cycles is also a constraint (for example on busy services where access for a bike is denied). There is a need for innovative approaches such as bike provision at either end of the journey.

Road Network and Transport Planning The limited capacity of the road network continues to be a concern. In particular the congestion which can be caused on the A403 between J18 of the M5 and Severn Beach through road works or other incidents.

The opening of the M49 Junction in early 2020 will make a considerable difference to traffic flows, however congestion is likely to remain a concern and subject to problems which may arise on the Strategic Road Network.

Traffic and transport in the area requires very careful management and good communication.

SevernNet would welcome a Strategic Transport Planning exercise with S. Glos. Council and Bristol City Council to review the carrying capacity of the local network, given the ongoing development, increasing traffic levels, impact of the removal of the Severn Crossing Tolls and the need for contingency planning.

We believe there is a need for a strategic and long term approach to transport and travel across the SevernNet area considering innovative approaches such as the South East Wales and West of England Business (SEWWEB) Rail Link concept (see attached). The aspirations for development and growth across the area require a commensurate investment in appropriate infrastructure to get people and goods into, across and out of the area in order for the growth to be realised and businesses adequately staffed.

See also the SevernNet Area Coastal Community Team Economic Plan which is available at www.severnnet.org and includes a Transport plan. This was developed in late 2015/early 2016 and informed by local stakeholders.

SevernNet Sustainable Transport Forum The SevernNet Sustainable Transport Forum was established in 2011/2012 and enables transport and travel related stakeholders to meet regularly, share progress and discuss the challenges and opportunities. The Forum has led to improvements in understanding between various stakeholders, better communication and has informed improvements to infrastructure schemes.

Kate Royston Executive, SevenNet Tel: 07969 569 444 Email: [email protected]

Page no: 3 Pilning Station Group www.pilningstation.uk

Pilning Railway Station – Quick Wins (Update)

Date On behalf of: Presented by: June 1, 2018 Pilning Station Group Olga Taylor www.pilningstation.uk E-mail: [email protected]

Pilning Station Group calls on West of England Combined Authority to support some affordable “quick wins” which would make Pilning more useful, and increase passenger numbers (and hence revenue and viability).

Pilning is the closest and the easiest to get to railway station for many households in the area, it has a free car park, and could be used by many residents for commuting to / from work. A functioning railway station would also take a number of cars off the road, thus reducing CO2 emissions in the area and improving people’s lifestyle.

1. SHORT-TERM QUICK WINS

Pressing GWR to provide a third train at 13:34 on Saturdays. This service was operational in 2017, and attracted around 50% of all Pilning passengers that year. GWR replaced it with a later call at 15:34, but failed to reasonably explain why they cancelled one of the most successful services since 2006. We anticipate that the call at 13:34 will bring more passengers to Pilning, especially those who would like to have lunch at the nearby Plough Inn and depart with the 15:34. We approached the pub’s landlord, and he showed his support by offering a 10% drinks discount to Pilning passengers. We believe that increasing passenger numbers will give us more leverage to discuss further improvements to the service and station amenities.

GWR confirmed that there was no actual timetabling reason why an extra stop cannot be provided.

2. MID-TERM EASY WINS

Pressing GWR and Network Rail to reinstate platform lighting so late afternoon/evening trains can call. We believe there is already a mains supply to the station or nearby.

3. LONG-TERM ASPIRATIONS

Pressing Network Rail / Department for Transport / South Gloucestershire Council to reinstate the footbridge so we can have a proper station with a proper service again! Press GWR and / or CrossCountry for a morning train to Bristol (Mon-Fri) between 07:30 and 08:00. This, in a combination with a temporary footbridge and platform lighting, will be ideal for a trial commuter service.

One of the ideas is to demand Network Rail to install a temporary footbridge – similar to the one currently used at Patchway station. This, along with platform lighting, would enable train operating companies to stop early morning / late afternoon / evening trains at the station, to prove that the demand for such services exists.

We anticipate that a trial for the commuting service will become popular with residents of the nearby villages for getting to Rolls Royce / Airbus / South Gloucestershire College at Patchway, the MoD at Filton Abbey Wood and various schools / colleges / offices in Bristol, Cardiff and beyond. Equally, Severnside Enterprise Area will be able to source employees who live in South Wales, where unemployment rate is higher than the one in our area.

We also anticipate that leisure travelers will include those who come to use the facilities at the Wave entertainment park (due to open in 2019). The Wave’s CEO Nick Hounsfield is a supporter of Pilning Station.

Another potential recipient of leisure-time Pilning passengers may be Wild Place Project, Washingpool Farm, Mojo Active and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, providing a suitable shuttle bus link is established.

The new M49 Avonmouth junction will be located within a 1.5 mile radius from the station, thus making Pilning a good prospect for a Park & Ride facility.

Appendices

1. Map of Pilning showing the location of Pilning Railway Station in relation to Severnside Enterprise Area (please note that most warehouses are located within Western Approach Distribution Centre and around Central Avenue)

2. Letter of support from SevernNet

3. M49 Avonmouth Junction Update / Progress Report from Highways England

4. Quotation from mark Webber, GWR Customer Support Senior Officer

30 th April 2018

Getting people to work across SevernNet area and the critical role of transport infrastructure and services

This document is SevernNet’s submission to the S. Gloucestershire Local Plan Consultation.

The area is also very poorly supported by public transport and the Severn Beach Line provides an essential service.

Rail and Bus Services An essential element within the MetroWest Phase 1 programme is improvement to the Severn Beach Line . This is a vital link between Bristol and ASEA.

This service has suffered from considerable delays, cancellations and service turn backs over the last nine months. This has had a major impact on businesses and their employees across ASEA.

Pilning Station As the northern end of the ASEA expands, consideration should also be given to Pilning as a station to serve an employment area likely to reach 20,000+ in the next 10+ years.

We support the FOSBR Rail Plan 2018 to enable ‘car-free travel from your door’ (see attached).

Page no: 2

Traffic and transport in the area requires very careful management and good communication.

Kate Royston Executive, SevenNet Tel: 07969 569 444 Email: [email protected]

Page no: 3 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) | Telephone: 0300 123 5000 (http://roads.highways.gov.uk/) 

Home (http://roads.highways.gov.uk) | Search for another project (/all-regions/) M49 Avonmouth junction Recently updated Construction of a new junction on the M49 in the Avonmouth region.

Region: South West Type: Major Scheme

Start date: 11 December 2017 End date: December 2019

Cost: £25 to 50 million Programme: (http://roads.highways.gov.uk/programmes/) Status: CURRENT

Check trac conditions (http://roads.highways.gov.uk/trac-search? location=51.536323620741236,-2.641017429996282&radius=20)

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Progress report Regional Twitter feed We started our initial preparatory work on the scheme in December 2017 so that we can be ready to start the main construction in summer 2018. This initial preparatory Tweets by @HighwaysSWEST work has included vegetation clearance, ground investigation work and the erection of permanent fencing. This work has now been completed so you may notice a decrease Highways England in the amount of site activity over the next few months. @HighwaysSWEST

We’re holding two drop-in events in May where we'll have more information about the #SouthGloucestershire #A46 is now fully open southbound between the #M4 & scheme. You can nd details below. #A420 following a road traffic collision. Have a safe onward journey. @ASPolice What next 3 May 2018 Between now and July we’ll be nalising the detailed design of the junction and

undertaking of a number of site audits and inspections. Highways England In the meantime, National Grid will be carrying out some work to move a gas pipe @HighwaysSWEST which currently runs through the land where we plan to build the new junction. #SouthGloucestershire #A46 is blocked

We’ll also begin building our site compound in early summer which will be located on the eastern side of the M49. Keep up-to-date Timeline

Date Event (https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHIGH 21 July 2016 Public information event topic_id=UKHIGHWAY_2453) 6 February 2017 Preferred location announcement

11 December 2017 Start of works

April 2018 Start of National Grid works to move gas pipe

Early summer Start building site compound

July 2018 Start of main construction

December 2019 End of construction Community news We're holding two drop-in events in May where we'll have more information about the design and timeline. Members of our project teams will also be available to answer any questions you may have. The details of the events are:

Date Time Venue Address

Friday 18 2pm to Severn Beach Ableton Lane, Severn Beach, South May 2018 8pm Village Hall Gloucestershire, BS35 4PP

Saturday 19 10am Easter Compton Main Road, Easton Compton, South May 2018 to 4pm Village Hall Gloucestershire

Why we need this scheme We have committed, along with Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, to unlocking the economic potential of the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area. It is an important regional employment site and the largest browneld site in Western Europe. The site is expected to attract new economic activity and associated employment in diverse sectors including energy generation, waste management, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

As the port of Avonmouth and the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area to the west of Bristol currently have no direct access to the M49, it has hindered proposals to support economic growth in the area. A new junction on the M49 will open up these areas, ease congestion and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

Aims The aims of this scheme are to: support economic growth relieve trac on local roads around the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area improve access to the regional highways network improve road safety by relieving pressure on the local road network

The scheme in detail The new junction will be located in the area to the south of the Western Approach Distribution Park and west of the village of Easter Compton.

The design features a 2 bridge junction. It uses the existing bridge at Farm Lane with a second bridge built immediately next to it. The 2 bridges are incorporated into a single roundabout that spans the motorway. New access and exit slip roads will be built on both sides of the motorway junction so that it connects fully with both northbound and southbound trac.

Computer generated image of the new junction

Trac management Whilst the junction is being built, we’ll have narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit on this stretch of the M49. We expect these to be in place from autumn 2018 to winter 2019. We’ll also need some full motorway closures later this year to allow us to lift in the new bridges. We’ll share more information about these closer to the time.

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Planned roadworks Planned roadworks for the next 7 days around this project.

View on the Roadworks search page (http://roads.highways.gov.uk/roadworks- search/? location=51.536323620741236,-2.641017429996282&days=7&severity=All&radius=10) for more search options.

M49 northbound between M5/A4 and M4 | Northbound | Road Works (http://www.tracengland.com/?evtID=1694295) Location : The M49 northbound between the junctions with the M5 and the M4 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder and lane 1 are closed. Reason : Emergency roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 16:00 on 4 May 2018. Lanes Closed : There is one of two lanes closed.

M5 southbound between J17 and J18 | Southbound | Road Works (http://www.tracengland.com/?evtID=1670842) Location : The M5 southbound between junctions J17 and J18 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 May 2018 to 06:00 on 5 May 2018. Schedule : From 20:00 on 5 May 2018 to 06:00 on 6 May 2018. Schedule : From 21:00 on 6 May 2018 to 06:00 on 7 May 2018. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 7 May 2018 to 9 May 2018. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.

M4 eastbound between J21 and J20 | Eastbound | Road Works (http://www.tracengland.com/?evtID=1691066) Location : The M4 eastbound between junctions J22 and J19 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Gantry construction is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 May 2018 to 06:00 on 9 May 2018. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.

M5 northbound within J18A after M49 exit | Northbound | Road Works (http://www.tracengland.com/?evtID=1676931) Location : The M5 northbound between junctions J18A and J17 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder is closed. Reason : Emergency Roadside Drains works. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 15:30 on 4 May 2018.

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Cookies (/cookies/) Careers (https://recruitment.highways.gov.uk) Terms and conditions (/terms-and-conditions/) Accessibility (/accessibility/) From: Graham Ellis of (a director of TransWilts) to WECA, 1st June 2018

I would like to petition WECA to implement / facilitate an enhanced bus partnership, with rail, for services that cross boundaries out of the WECA commercial hub of Bath into neighbouring authorities such as Wiltshire and Somerset / Mendip.

WECA is the natural lead authority for this role. It has mayoral powers under the Bus Services Act of 2017. Its city (Bath) is at the hub of these services.

This is an organisational and management request and does not call for capital investment. It does not call for any subsidy for running additional services to those already planned or existing. It will generate revenue by joining cross boundary transport elements to a more attractive, more efficient network.

I commend WECA and its predecessors for their promotion of MetroWest Rail as a network. I commend WECA for its extensions already planned beyond the authority's boundary rather than cutting off at the Bathampton border. Wiltshire and Mendip's housing is growing quicker than employment. Bath's employment is growing quicker than housing. Flows across the border can only increase. If that's in single occupancy private vehicles, so will congestion.

But the network isn't just about train journeys into Bath. It's about passenger flows by train and by bus, and conversion from private car where practical. It's about journeys from Corsham, Chippenham, Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham, Westbury, Trowbridge, Frome and Warminster with a total population around 200,000 and growing. It's about journeys to Bath, to the centre of Bristol, and to employment in the Filton, Aztec West and Westgate / Severnside areas. A networked system is needed where each service caters for multiple intertwined flows. A system where journeys outbound and return may not necessarily be optimum with the same provider. A system where some services are infrequent, and where some cannot be sustained economically with multiple operators competing. A system in which some services only operate for parts of the day or week.

The lack of co-ordination of routes, of timetables and of ticketing between existing services is a significant drag on service growth.

Let me give you an example. From Bath to Melksham, I can take the Faresaver bus - hourly during the day, half hourly at peak pensioner time. I can take the First West of England bus, now increased to half hourly. But together the buses are not well spaced … 09:51, 09:52, 10:21 … I can take the train - change at Chippenham or Trowbridge. That's good if I'm carrying on to Bristol, or in the evening 3 hour bus gap.

But I have to know with whom I'll be travelling back to sort out what ticket to buy. And I need to be a dab hand with timetables or apps to work out my best way. Chances are I'll find it easier to drive much of the time.

I'm fortunate - I can drive. But I'll needlessly clog the streets in Bath. I hear from knowledgeable friends and TransWilts members in other settlements that the story has parallels from in Wiltshire and Somerset towns.

I am requesting - petitioning - WECA to enable and host an EPS (Enhanced Transport Partnership). It would be a step towards: * Lessening congestion, not replacing a smoggy queue with a clean queue * Reducing the need for parking, including controversial “park and ride”s * a Better quality of life and improving air quality * Reducing support costs; bus gets more passengers and quicker rides * Offering greater stability for bus companies – business beyond 56 days - Look to The Government that's provided you with a Bus Services Act. - Look at Cornwall where the "One System" is being implemented in. - Look in your own area - partnership is working on Bath/Keynsham corridor.

Who is making this suggestion? At TransWilts, I am responsible for our tactical activities – helping make things work. TransWilts is a partnership of the community, the transport industry and local government with an expertise and track record in the area. In the last five years * rail passengers using the Chippenham to Trowbridge line have risen from 18,000 to 247,000 journeys per annum * passenger numbers at Melksham from 3,000 to 75,000 j.p.a. * buses on the Melksham to Bath flow have risen by a third * Wiltshire Council have relet the supported town service to connect with trains for more passenger growth using existing resources. The suggestion has support beyond Wiltshire. It has been validated and confirmed by group leads in Somerset, Severnside and Gloucestershire.

Where do we go from here? Well - you are very much aware of your networking and cross boundary needs, and quite likely already looking at these new partnership schemes. I would like to offer you encouragement and support in setting up a Partnership if you're already looking. If this is new, we can also offer suggestions and share what has been learned already.

This is a financially sound, environmentally friendly and quality of life improving request in so many ways and I hope you will take it forward.

And thank you for listening and for allowing me to petition you on the subject.

Graham Ellis * 48 Spa Road Melksham * [email protected]* 01225 708225

The routes in question Buses in magenta Trains in orange

Green shows onward flows from Wiltshire and Somerset for significant numbers of commuters (lines representational of flows by both private and public transport)

GE/20180530/V1.0

West of England Combined Authority Committee – 1 June 2018

Severn Bridge Tolls

North Bristol SusCom is a group of leading employers working together to reduce congestion and support the development of a fully integrated, sustainable transport network for the West of England. We know that combatting traffic congestion, and increasing the viability of walking, cycling and public transport is vital for the long-term prosperity of our businesses and the health and well-being of our staff.

We lead by example, taking a co-ordinated approach to managing our traffic impact and supporting our 40,000+ staff and 30,000 students to reduce the number of short car journeys they make. North Bristol SusCom encourages car sharing, walking, cycling, bus and rail as preferred ways to travel to work and around the area on business. We also support home working and if journeys need to be undertaken by car we promote electric vehicles and car sharing.

We are very concerned about the removal of the Severn Bridge Tolls at the end of December 2018 and the additional traffic such a move will generate in an already congested North Bristol.

The Government carried out a public consultation at the beginning of last year asking for input on their plans to halve the tolls on the Severn Crossings. Both our organisation (representing 70,000 employees and 30,000 students) and the four West of England unitary authorities (representing 1 million+ people) responded saying this was not a good idea, especially at peak times, as it was likely to cause considerable congestion in the area and encourage more people to drive, more often leading to more traffic and congestion.

We argued that ongoing tolls could be used to maintain the bridge and any surplus could be invested in improving sustainable transport links between South Wales and the West of England.

The consultation document stated that the Government was not proposing to remove the tolls as it “would put at risk the future of the Crossings”. It stated that annual maintenance costs would be around £15 million and a further £12 million was needed to resurface the Bridge after the end of the concession period.

The Government also were “concerned that reduced tolls could result in increased traffic and congestion in areas surrounding the Crossings, both in Bristol and along the M4 in Wales, where there are already concerns about congestion levels”. They said they were “mindful that reducing tolls would increase traffic, and has conducted modelling which suggests 17% more vehicles using the Crossings by 2028 as a result of the toll reduction”. This is on top of an expected 28% increase in traffic using the routes if the tolls remained – so a 45% increase in traffic by 2028.

Despite their own concerns and the concerns raised by our organisation and the four West of England Unitary Authorities the Government announced, just after the 2017 general election that it was abolishing the tolls by the end of 2018.

Our three main concerns are:

1. No detailed transport modelling has been undertaken to understand what the likely % increase of vehicles using the Crossings will be with no tolls. We can safely assume it will be greater than the 45% quoted above but – how much greater?

2. What are we going to do about mitigating the increase in traffic? There is no plan or funding earmarked to invest in improving connectivity between South Wales and the West of England. We need a comprehensive, funded investment plan that will help reduce traffic and deliver:

• improved frequency and capacity on the rail network (above and beyond what electrification will bring); • improved, direct bus connectivity and new commuter coaches during peak times to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the road; • better affordability of public transport to make it a more cost-effective option for people to use instead of the car; • a network of Multi-Modal interchanges (Park and Ride, Park and Share, Park and Cycle) to remove additional car traffic from clogging up the motorways and entering built up, congested areas; • better cycle links; • high occupancy vehicle lanes at peak times on motorway corridors; • and much more.

3. This decision actively encourages people who currently travel by train between South Wales and the West of England to drive instead, leading to yet more pollution and greater congestion. A person living in Caldicott/Chepstow who currently drives to the Severn Tunnel Junction train station pays about £58 per week in combined rail fares/car parking fees. With the impending rail price rises from the 1st of January 2019 and the abolishing of the tolls the day before, the commuter from Caldicott/Chepstow will be £28-30 financially better off a week driving their car than taking the train.

We recently received a response to a letter we wrote to Chris Graying, outlining our concerns about the removal of the Severn Tolls. The Department for Transport says in the response:

“Removal of the tolls will mean more people will be able to afford to cross the border in both directions to seek job and trade opportunities. This will support motorists, residents and businesses across Wales and the south-west helping rebalance the economy as part of the Industrial Strategy. These benefits are expected to be associated with an increase in traffic around the Severn and Bristol area”.

Rebalancing in this instance implies that the removal of the tolls is to help stimulate the South Wales economy at the expense of the West of England economy (to balance something out something has to rise and something has to fall). The Welsh Government are happy with this. The UK Government seems okay with it too (think they forget the West of England is a net contributor to HMRC). Why is the West of England Combined Authority happy with it? You need to act now before all the hard work to grow our economy is swallowed up in gridlock.

#GrowthWithoutGridlock

Ann O’Driscoll Director North Bristol SusCom [email protected]

2 Public Forum West of England Combined Authority Committee Statements 1 June 2018

Statement 6

Cllr Tim Kent, Bristol City Council

Delivery of MetroBus Project

Mayor Bowles,

I am very concerned about the poor delivery and management of the MetroBus project. I realise that much if not all of this is before your election but since taking office you have had transport and this project transferred to your area of responsibility.

Over the last few months we have learnt from the press that metro bus routes have been slashed. As local councillors we have been told nothing about this. The regular ‘metro bus updates’ have gone very quite on this subject.

We are now in a situation where two of the three metro bus routes to my ward have been cancelled and the third delayed until next year.

In addition to this we have First stating that they do not want these routes to run as they will take passengers from the existing routes. This is the same company that has deleted well over half of the existing bus services in my ward over the last two years.

The situation with regard to Metrobus is unacceptable. The communication unacceptable and we call on you to take full control of this project and hold those that have failed to deliver the project to account. We also expect far more action to deliver the Metrobus routes that were not only promised to the Department of Transport but to the people of Bristol and my residents.

Can I also raise a separate concern and that is about the notice for meetings and decision making by the West of England Combined Authority.

Can I point out that The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 states:

9(2) At least 28 clear days before a key decision is made, the document referred to in paragraph (1) must be made available for inspection by the public—

(a)at the offices of the relevant local authority; and

(b)on the relevant local authority’s website, if it has one.

Could you please state on which day the forward plan was published on your website covering the decision you are making today? I ask this as on 4th May the plan had not been published and for you to have had 28 clear days ahead of this meeting it should have been published on the 3rd May. This being the case and decision you make here today could be at risk of being unlawful.

Cllr Tim Kent Hengrove and Whitchurch Park Ward Bristol City Council