Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2016 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2016 be signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Hodgins who was attending the meeting in his capacity as a Co-opted Member of the County Council's Standards Committee to observe and monitor compliance with the Council s ethical governance framework.

Items which in the opinion of the Chairman should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

(An item taken under Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972)

(Councillor Westlake declared a disclosable pecuniary interest by virtue of being a resident in a road affected by the proposals for residents’ parking charges and withdrew from the meeting during consideration and voting on this item).

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item relating to proposals agreed at the last meeting in light of representations received from local residents (in respect of Zone S2), requesting a further review.

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste advised the Committee that the proposals agreed at the last meeting were being progressed for implementation and whilst it was possible to hold that in abeyance any further review at this stage could result in significant delay. 

It was MOVED by Councillor Owen, SECONDED by Councillor Foggin and

RESOLVED that further public consultation be carried out on certain roads that Members decided not to include in the Zone 2 scheme agreed at the previous HATOC and that following agreement between the Chief Officer of Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste, in consultation with the Chairman and local City and County Councillors on restrictions for the affected Roads a further Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) be advertised and implemented as soon as possible.

Bus and Coach Operators to answer Members’ questions

(Councillor Holland (Exeter City Council) attended in accordance with 25(2) and spoke to this item).

Mr Williams, Commercial Director Stagecoach (Exeter) attended and spoke at the invitation of the Committee on developments affecting bus services and the network in Exeter and environs since the last meeting and, in particular on:

·         minor timetabling changes as a result of the relocation of the Depot to Matford which had been completed on 25 September and the modern facilities for staff and bus maintenance and the significant investment made by the Company;

·         investment of nearly £2m for new buses on Route 1;

·         reducing the X46 service to Torbay from 28 November following passenger loss during the construction of the South Devon Highway and a new stop would be introduced at Matford Park & Ride to offer new employment links;

·         changes to the network from 3 January reacting to market conditions: Routes 2 and 5 will see reduced frequencies, and new buses would be phased in on to route 2 in a new colour scheme to further promote the route;

·         the success and growth of the South West Falcon service connecting Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol which would see the X38 to Plymouth reduced off peak;

·         the Green and Blue Park & Ride services being combined to provide a cross-City link ( Heavitree to Matford or Alphington Road to Sowton) to be called Green;

·         maintenance/enhancement work at Matford Park and Ride site noting that the current number of spaces would be maintained up to the run up to Christmas and reduced in January, pending the upgrade work and when complete there would be an overall increase from 423 – 477 + 8 disabled and 2 electric car bays but the overflow would no longer be available following the construction of the new Depot.

Additionally issues and/or observations identified during the course of discussions, included:

·         the need for consistency of practices by drivers in respect of temporary dropping off and pick up points following the many changes and diversions as a result of the Cathedral Green fire and numerous road works in the City;

·         Stagecoach’s priority to maintaining services during a period of change with the move to Matford and the needs of all staff members during this time, the additional pressures as a result of temporary service changes, noting that driver turnover/recruitment was not excessively high and the attempts by the Company in providing up to date information about temporary changes;

·         changes to the X38 as a result of reduced patronage and confirmation that concessionary fares were not affected by the changes to the P&R services;

·         the withdrawal of the dedicated bus from Stoke Hill School to St Peters School  as a result of the decrease in patronage and availability of other Stagecoach services;

·         the need to review stops in the High Street and Sidwell Street where servicing similar routes to assist passengers, which Mr Williams undertook to examine;

·         electrical faults in the Bus Shelter, Fore Street, Exeter (by the Chevalier Public House)  which needed attention  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

[An item to be taken under s18 of the Traffic management Act 2004 relating to any reviews of parking policy sought in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme (https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/guide/constitutionparts2-4/part-4-section-7-patition-scheme/].

(Councillor Westlake declared a disclosable pecuniary interest by virtue of being a resident in a road affected by the proposals for residents’ parking charges and withdrew from the meeting for consideration of this item)

Councillor Sheldon (Exeter City Council) attended and the Chairman was presented with a petition, organised by residents of Lower Avenue) , Heavitree (containing approximately 31 signatories requesting Residents’ Parking (Minute 36 refers).

The Chairman was also presented with a petition from Councillor Prowse organised by residents of Rosebarn Lane (containing approximately 60 signatories) to provide Residents Parking for Higher Rosebarn Lane from Pennsylvania Road to Rosebarn Avenue and from Rosebarn Avenue to Argyle Road and to Stoke Hill.

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste would be asked to respond direct to the petitioners on the issues raised, within 15 days, in line with the Council’s petition scheme. 

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford had requested that the Committee consider this matter, at the request of the local City Council Member. 

Councillor Pearson (Exeter City Council) attended in accordance with 25(2) and spoke to this item and reported on a dispute involving South West Water and local residents (as joint owners of the land over which a County Council PROW footpath passed and in which a sewerage pipe was also located).  The footpath had been closed due to subsidence for safety reasons with alternative routes being available, a possible cause of which was a sewer pipe fault. South West Water had been liaising with the residents, as landowners, on the repair of this sewer and the apparent subsidence in the area as a whole. It was not clear, at this stage, whether subsidence had caused the sewer pipe fault or vice-versa.

It was the view of the local City Councillor that the residents should not be liable for the cost of repairs to the sewer or footpath. 

The Group Neighbourhood Highways Manager reported that South West Water was carrying out structural investigations and its report was awaited.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Foggin and

RESOLVED

(a) that the County Council seek an independent opinion on the cause of the footpath collapse and determines the operative cause independent of the South West Water;

(b) that the County Council clarify with the residents affected future options to resolve the subsidence problem;

(c)  that a report be brought to the next meeting of this Committee outlining the steps that have been taken to address the above.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

The Chief Officer for Highways, Capital Development and Waste reported on the Cabinet’s decision to award the County Council’s Highways Term Maintenance Contract to Skanska Construction UK Limited,  as a single lot bid for the County Council (for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2024, with extension options to 2027); and transitional arrangements would be made at the appropriate time.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Morse and

RESOLVED that the new contractor be invited to a future meeting.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

(Councillor Holland (Exeter City Council) attended in accordance with 25(2) and spoke to this item).

Mr A Seaman and Mr J Smith and (University of Exeter) attended and spoke at the invitation of the Committee and presented the University’s Sustainable Travel Plan 2016-2020 covering the aims and primary objectives with a growing student and staff population, car usage and data and a summary of actions and achievements to date.

Members referred to gaps within the plan and the need for liaison and consultation not only with County Council officers but with local members. 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Harvey and

RESOLVED

(a)   that the University be requested to

(i) investigate the potential for limited parking days for staff and students on campus,

(ii) review of car parking fees to encourage alternative modes of travel,

(iii) investigate ways of discouraging single car occupancy,

(iv) investigate how students could be discouraged from bringing their cars to the City            (examples of initiatives were available from other Universities),

(v) include in the Plan the needs of staff and students with disabilities,

(vi) liaise with stagecoach and the County Council in relation to improved bus routes               serving the University;

(b) that the County Council and University liaise to develop proposals for cycling routes,

(c) that County Council officers work with the University of Exeter and exeter City Council officers to investigate the level and use of Residents Parking permits by students;

(d) that the University of Exeter be requested that in their consultation and engagement arrangements local County and City Councillors are included;

(e) that in light of the above the University of Exeter be requested to review its Sustainable Travel Plan 2016 -2020 for report to a future meeting.            

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/55) attached  

(Councillor Holland (Exeter City Council) attended in accordance with 25(2) and spoke to this item).

(Mr Williams (Stagecoach) attended and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee, indicating that the proposals were workable, noting the difficulties involved)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/55) on plans for the temporary transfer of bus services from the existing bus station to on-street locations in the city centre to enable the redevelopment site to be cleared and the consented leisure-led, mixed use development to be delivered.

The Committee noted that certain aspects, for example, refreshment/toilet facilities for drivers remained outstanding and subject to further discussions and Members also referred to the loss of income from parking meters located in the area during this transition period. 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Owen and

RESOLVED

(a) that the introduction of the temporary traffic restrictions detailed within this report to support the temporary transfer of bus services from Exeter Bus Station be approved;

(b) that Officers be authorised to vary the temporary traffic restrictions as required in consultation with the Chairman and Local County Council Member(s) and in line with the statutory process;

(c) that a report be brought to this Committee on the restrictions required for future phases of the bus station redevelopment.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford had requested that the Committee receive an update on the process for road closures in relation to concerns about the level and number of planned and emergency road works in the City in recent months.

The Committee received a presentation from the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste on road works and traffic congestion covering:

·         the various reasons for road works by the Highway Authority and Statutory Undertakers,

·         the coordination process for planned works and reasons for immediate works and examples on the City and the wide-ranging coordination contacts,

·         types of Utility works and range and number in the City, comparable to other similar cities,

·         the impact of motorway and trunk road closures.

The Chief Officer also referred to the Highways Operations Control Centre (HOC) at County Hall and issues in relation to the Police feeding information arising from road incidents, which in turn lead to congestion problems.   

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Morse and

RESOLVED that Officers be supported in their efforts to improve electronic communication of data to the Highways Operations Control Centre (HOC) arising from road incidents.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/56) attached

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannaford had requested that the Committee receive an update on the process for the provision and maintenance of bus shelters. 

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/56) on the provision of bus shelters in Exeter, provided by Clearchannel at no cost to Devon County Council or Exeter City Council.  The ongoing costs of provision and maintenance were covered by the sale of advertising.

Members requested further information on and involvement in the proposed location of additional shelters;  details of the replacement and repair programmes and reasons behind the policy to restrict advertising on shelters located in the City High Street, and the impact on revenue support. 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Harvey and

RESOLVED that a further report be submitted, on the outstanding matters above, to the next meeting of the Committee.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Foggin has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Foggin had requested that the Committee receive information on the maintenance of this Road in view of the location of Ellen Tinkham School in this Road and impact on vulnerable pupils.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that it had been confirmed that this section of Wayside Crescent was not Highway Maintainable at Public Expense, and was not in the ownership of the County Council. It could be considered for adoption if the land owners agreed to bring it up to adoptable standard. He also reported on the approximate cost of the repair of potholes situated in the Road, and agreed to provide more details to the Local County Councillor, so that she could consider identifying a source of funding.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Prowse has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Prowse had requested that the Committee receive an update on criteria for the maintenance of pavements and the highway.

The Group Neighbourhood Highways Manager reported that criteria and method of survey for footways had been reported to Committee (Minute 31 refers) and the maintenance programme was available on-line at:  https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/activeschemes-map/

The Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/43) is attached for information, approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 September 2016 (Cabinet minute 70 refers)

The Committee received the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

(PTE/16/43) approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 September 2016 (Cabinet Minute

70 refers) on the revised Capital Programme for 2016/17 to reflect changes in scheme costs,

funding sources and timing.

The Head of Service undertook to provide further information to Members relating to the Countywide Bus Real Time Information (£220,000), the Devon Metro Station Programme – Pinhoe Rail Station Car Park (£10,000), infrastructure to double the frequency of rail services between Exeter and Honiton, impact of the opening of the second Cranbrook station on the local rail services stopping at other local stations; progress on  Alphington Road (Ide) Park and Ride (£22,000) and Chudleigh Road, Alphington Realignment (£20,000).

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/16/8) attached  

The Committee received the report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HIW/16/8) on actions taken by him in respect of Traffic Orders under delegated powers since the last meeting.

17 January 2017, 29 March 2017, 4 July 2017, 20 November 2017;  and 16 January 2018 and 26 April 2018.

County Council Committee dates available on the website:

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

17 January 2017; 29 March, 4 July, 20 November; and 16 January 2018 and 26 April 2018.

Note: The County Council calendar of meetings is available at:

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1