Agenda item

Full Council was requested to consider the recommendations of the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee following consideration of a Notice of Motion which had been referred to it by Council at its meeting held on 13 November 2024.  The recommendations of the Committee were set out in the report of that Committee at page 85 of the agenda and were that:

Full Council is asked to consider the recommendations of the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee to:

i)               Note the update on Active Travel documents in North Yorkshire

ii)              recommend back to Full Council at its meeting on 26 February 2025 that an Active Travel Strategy is pursued as part of the York and North Yorkshire Local Transport Plan in collaboration with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and City of York Council.

Separately, to these recommendations back to Full Council, the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee will set up a working group on Active Travel. The terms of reference are to be drawn up, but it is set to focus on how the vision and values for Active Travel integrate within the Council Plan document and also to engage and contribute to the wider development of the new York and North Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

The original motion that was to be debated is as detailed below:

North Yorkshire Council recognises the importance of promoting active travel as a key component in improving public health, boosting local economies, connecting communities, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and contributing to our commitments on climate change and sustainability as specified in NYC’s adopted Sustainable Development Goals.

Therefore, North Yorkshire Council:

·       Commits to develop and implement an Active Travel Strategy by December 2025, that will outline a clear framework for promoting and supporting walking, cycling, and other active travel modes across the county.

·       Uses data from the already completed ‘Let’s Talk Climate’ and ‘Let’s Talk Transport’ consultations to ensure that the strategy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our communities

·       Incorporates the following key principles into the strategy:

1.      Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that active travel infrastructure is accessible to all residents.

2.      Safety: Prioritise the development of safe walking and cycling routes, especially near schools, town centres, and residential areas.

3.      Integration with Public Transport: Improve connections between active travel routes and public transport hubs to encourage multimodal journeys.

4.      Sustainability: Promote active travel as a means to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across North Yorkshire.

5.      Health and Wellbeing: Recognise and promote the physical and mental health benefits associated with active travel.

6.      Identifies potential funding sources to support the implementation of the strategy, including national grants, regional partnerships, and private sector collaboration.

7.      Sets measurable goals and a timeline for the implementation of the Active Travel Strategy, ensuring regular monitoring and review processes to track progress and outcomes.

8.      Works with neighbouring local authorities and regional bodies to ensure that the strategy aligns with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable and active transport.

This motion works towards the following Sustainable Development Goals:

·            Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

         Relevance: Encourages active travel to improve physical and mental health.

·            Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

         Relevance: Develops infrastructure for walking and cycling to create safer and more connected communities.

·            Goal 13: Climate Action - Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

         Relevance: Promotes active travel to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

·            Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development.

         Relevance: Utilises consultations and collaborations to ensure diverse community needs are met and strategies align with broader efforts.

·            Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reducing inequality within and among countries.

         Relevance: Ensures active travel infrastructure is accessible to all, addressing inequalities.

·            Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

         Relevance: Integrates active travel routes with public transport to encourage efficient, multimodal travel.

·            Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

         Relevance: Establishes measurable goals and regular reviews to ensure transparency and accountability.

Proposer Councillor Hannah Gostlow

Seconder Councillor Bryn Griffiths

The motion was moved by Councillor Gostlow and seconded by Councillor Griffiths.

During the debate, Councillor David Staveley, Chair of the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee proposed that the motion be amended to reflect the recommendations of the committee as detailed above.  The proposer of the original motion, Councillor Gostlow accepted this amendment.

On a vote being taken on the new amended motion, the Chair declared the motion carried unanimously.

Resolved that Full Council:

i)               Notes the update on Active Travel documents in North Yorkshire

ii)              Supports that an Active Travel Strategy is pursued as part of the York and North Yorkshire Local Transport Plan in collaboration with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and City of York Council.