Present: Graham Towers, Michael Petek, Stephen (Living Streets), Doly Garcia, Celia Davis, Neil Harding, John Bristow and Ian Davey (Bike for Life)
Apologies: Becky Reynolds (Bricycles), Nick Sayers (Naked Bike Ride)
Agenda:
1. Car Free Day
2. Transport Group Progress Report
3. Green Wave Festival
4. Energy Descent Action Plan
5. Sea Front Analysis
1. Car Free day
Car Free Day happens on the 22nd September, which is a Monday. B+H City Council will probably be organising events for the weekend 20-21st , discussed different types of road users at weekend compared to on Monday – who do we want to target most? What is the message? Ian mentioned that proposed pedestrianisation of Ship Street is related to previous Car Free Day events where the road has been closed. There was some discussion as to whether the Transport Group should add to planned events by the Council, or work to organise more community led events independently. Residents in North Laine such as Tidy Street and Kensington Place organise own street parties etc. Hanover was proposed as a place where similar events could take place. Idea of closing seafront was discussed – big area, probable Council objections, will need to use space well, will write and ask anyway and see what response is. Other ideas discussed included occupying car parking spaces with plants/picnics etc, this was mentioned by Nick Sayers (Naked Bike Ride organiser) and sounds like a fun thing which could be done in people’s own streets/communities. Also idea of collecting data on levels of noise/air pollution in different areas of Brighton, or even getting hold of apparatus to measure these indicators so can do this on Car Free Day. Also possibility of tying in previous idea to encourage families to give up their cars for a week, and keep a blog and get press coverage, highlighting what practical barriers exist to giving up cars.
Action:
Ian Davey will liase with Kat Trevors at the Council for more information on what is being planned, and whether they would like contribution from us.
Celia will write to Council asking if might consider partial seafront closure. Steve will forward info on how to apply for street closures.
Celia will e-mail Hanover transition towns neighbourhood to see if want to do something, and will talk to Hanover Councillors.
All – circulate idea of giving up car for a week to friends and colleagues who use car frequently and might be interested in the experiment.
General – was decided to circulate these ideas to people who might be interested in contributing to Car Free Day events and ask for other ideas/feedback on what has been discussed via e-mail. Will arrange another meeting when we have had feedback from others and from Council.
2. Progress Report
Proposed addition from Steve – using ICT as a substitute for unnecessary transportation of people and goods. Agreed.
3. Green Wave festival
Being held 5-6 July at Preston Park. Layout will have central performance area with ‘issue’ areas coming out from the centre. Have been invited to have a presence, Doly suggested having huge map of Brighton and inviting people to come and highlight areas where transport problem exists, colour coded for different themes: congestion, parking, buses etc. Any other ideas welcome, think about for next meeting. Doly is in touch with organisers and will pursue.
4. Energy Descent Plan
Each group in transition town network is to contribute to Energy Descent Plan for Brighton and Hove. Should start thinking about it! Perhaps find out statistics relating to current levels of road use, car parking and other indicators from which we can propose targets. Also bring in other things we have discussed such as proposal for electric tram system, naked streets (YouGeht Associates) and ways for reducing travel. Could start by looking at where people travel to and from and ensuring substitutions are available. Steve mentioned that Business Plan for winning parking tender (NCP) ought to contain information of current indicators. Creating vision is key. Bringing in other side factors such as health and wellbeing, obesity and asthma rates etc. Neil has friend who owns video-conferencing company (eyenetwork.com). Areas of focus – traffic levels, public transport, air and noise pollution, health (all in connection with Peak Oil and climate change).
5. Public Talks Programme (AOB)
November theme of Transition Brighton and Hove’s talk programme is going to be transport. We are invited to propose suggested speakers.
Michael has a contact in fuel cells/renewable fuel technology. Government advisor on transport David Greg(?) was proposed, as was Peter Lipman from Sustrans, and Ed Gillespie (guardian blogger/writer).
6. Seafront analysis
We took a walk down to the seafront to look at the space for logistics of an electric tram system. Michael talked us through possibilities (either tram in central lane and central reservation for raised platforms, or tram on pavement/bike lane area and subsequent widening of pavement). There would be issues, especially where the road is thinner down by the Palace Pier, but definitely possible.
7. Transition Town news
Forum meetings are now being held rather than general meetings. People from groups can come to them, especially if the group is being active and has events coming up. Graham will attend on 5th June to talk about Aims and Principles.
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE, BEDFORD TAVERN, NORFOLK SQUARE
Transport Group minutes - May 14th
