Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

This item was noted.

Officers gave a brief overview to the report contained within the agenda pack.

Members asked for clarification regarding the timescale for the budget spend, and an indication of a final cost to develop the plan.

Officers confirmed that some of the budget had already been spent and there is flexibility on how the money is utilised. Work has already been undertaken around the Metro proposals, it may be appropriate to replace the Metro spend with RTP funding and carry the Metro spend over for development next year. It is ambitious to commission and complete within the current timescale. The outline indicative cost is estimated to be less than £400k.

Members questioned the reference in the report to the use of electric vehicles (EV’s) to tackle pollution and noted the difficulties in this approach in urban areas, due to the high cost of vehicles and the limited charging infrastructure. Members asked how ambitions for a pollution free transport system could be achieved taking into account these factors.

Officers confirmed that the principle of the RTP hinged around a transport hierarchy, with priority given to cycling, walking and public transport. How the infrastructure will be provided is challenging and will be included in work undertaken in relation to the development of the metro proposals, and considered as part of the wider RTP. The RTP will be used as a bid document for leveraging funding for delivering transport interventions.

Officers confirmed that a Low Emission Vehicle Strategy has already been produced which will feed into the RTP work. Current focus has included work on converting the council’s fleet and identifying any implications. Work is on-going in relation to investigating the use of technology and proposals for on street charging. It was noted that Transport for Wales will be able to help with some of the supporting work related to the plan.

Members questioned if consideration had been given to overnight charging for fleet vehicles to make use of lower cost tariffs.

Officers confirmed that this was not the case in Pembrokeshire and the production of the Fleet Transition Strategy was currently ongoing. Pembrokeshire Council have looked at hydrogen vehicles rather than electric but EV’s may still be considered. Officers confirmed that an EV Strategic Plan was available for the region. Welsh Government and Transport for Wales (TFW) are carrying out pilots in other local authorities in relation to options for on street charging; more information will be available following the pilot. The Welsh Government Energy Service have carried out studies with a view to setting out high level strategic infrastructure requirements to support transition. Public Bodies can support their employees with salary sacrifice schemes for EV purchase. Officers from Neath Port Talbot Council, confirmed that EV’s will predominantly be charged overnight, but some vehicles may also require daytime charges. There are benefits in having a solar infrastructure alongside charging facilities that can offset to supply power to buildings by day and charge vehicles at night.

Members commented on gaps in the report, there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.