English Mayors to Get Powers to Set Traffic Reduction Targets
English Mayors are to get powers to set Traffic Reduction Targets on their Key Route Networks.
This is explained in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Guidance.
A New Way of Governing
The Introduction to the Guidance says that the Bill will deliver ‘a completely new way of governing – a generational project of determined devolution’.
It is intended ‘to rebalance power away from central government so that local leaders can take back control’.
Devolution
The guidance describes devolution of power to Strategic Authorities, which are Combined Authorities and the Greater London Authority.
There will be three levels of Strategic Authority, as follows:
- Foundation – limited powers
- Mayoral – greater devolution
- Established Mayoral – the broadest range of devolved powers and functions
Strategic Authorities are there to tackle regional issues, for example pursuing an integrated transport network.
Transport and Infrastructure
Strategic Authorities will have powers and functions in relation to transport and infrastructure.
They are Local Transport Authorities, and have a key leading role on transport planning and delivery. They will produce Local Transport Plans which ‘constituent councils will be required to implement’.
They will play a coordination role in relation to the local road networks, for example agreeing a single set of design standards for constituent councils.
With the consent of constituent councils they will be able to undertake highway maintenance or improvements.
The Key Route Network will be the most important local roads in the area. Mayors will have a Power of Direction over constituent councils in relation to the Key Route Network, to support delivery of the Local Transport Plan.
‘Mayors will also be given a legal power to set Traffic Reduction Targets on the Key Route Network.
This could be aimed at addressing environmental concerns caused by excessive road traffic, reducing road congestion and promoting sustainable transport strategies’.
Strategic Authorities will also be able to regulate micromobility schemes such as bike hire.
They will be allowed to apply for moving vehicle enforcement powers, giving them the ability to issue Penalty Charge Notices to drivers for disobeying certain signs.
Planning Powers
Strategic Authorities will have some planning powers, including the ability to charge developers a Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy.
Commissioners
Mayors will be able to appoint Commissioners to certain portfolios, for example an Active Travel Commissioner.
Voting System
Currently Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners are elected using a First Past the Post system, but this will change.
In future, a Supplementary Vote system will be used.
Voters will be able to choose a second preference candidate. If no candidate receives more than 50% of votes, the top two will go through to a second round where second preferences will be allocated to them to determine the winner.