Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2016 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2016 be signed as a correct record.

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

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item relating to unauthorised parking and proposed measures including installation of bollards to prevent obstruction of a public footpath in Stafford Way (near the roundabout) Dolton.

It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Julian and

RESOLVED that the officers be asked to report to the next meeting on measures that can be taken to prevent obstruction to the path. 

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/16/4) attached

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/17/4) on the development of an annual local programme for the HATOC area for the funding and delivery of waiting restriction schemes for 2017/18 and proposals for parking restrictions in Park Lane, Bideford and associated objection.

It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Julian and

RESOLVED

(a) that work on the annual waiting restrictions programme and the prioritisation process applied in 2016/17 be noted;

(b) that the recommendations contained in Section 4. of this report relating to parking restrictions in Park Lane, Bideford (North End and South End) be agreed and the proposals be implemented;

(c) that pending Cabinet consideration of the scope of works and funding, a further programme be developed for 2017/18.

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/16/5) attached.  

(Councillor Durkin, Northam Town Council, attended in accordance with Standing Order 25 (2) and spoke to in support of improvements to Stanwell Hill and a review of signage in Westward Ho!)

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/17/5) on the viability of a trial study for a one way system in order to reduce congestion on Stanwell Hill following consideration of this matter at the last meeting. A proposal for a one way system on Stanwell Hill and Fosketh Hill had been  considered and rejected by a Working Party (comprising Town, District and County Councillors and local residents) during 2013/14, mainly because of serious concerns over increased vehicle speeds and accidents. Fosketh Hill had continued to be developed into a more pedestrian focused route and footway works had been undertaken which had significantly reduced the carriageway width and which, in combination with the steep gradient, made the safe passage of HGV’s impractical. The Report also detailed estimated costs of works to enable a trial study totalling £11,000 and for a Traffic Regulation Order design and construction estimate totalling £70,000.

It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Eastman and

RESOLVED that the proposal for a one way system on Fosketh Hill and Stanwell Hill be not pursued and that other ways of improving traffic flow on Stanwell Hill be investigated, together with a review of signage to restrict HGVs for report to the next meeting.

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

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Julian had requested that the Committee consider communications between parish councils and the County Council in relation to highways.

Councillor Langmead (Torridge District Council) attended in accordance with Standing Order 25 (2) and spoke to this item about communications between local parish councils and the County Council in respect of highway maintenance and impact on local communities of past poor maintenance, such as had been experienced in Stoxworthy, since resolved satisfactorily.

The County Councillor for Bideford South and Hartland referred to previous liaison with the Parish Council and local Neighbourhood Highways Officer which had led to funding of highway improvements in Stoxworthy.

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste reported on the additional allocations for revenue maintenance of rural minor roads by the County Council (£2m) and by the Government’s allocation of the Pothole Action Fund (via the County Council) of £3m for 2017/18. The Cabinet Member for Performance and Engagement also referred to the regular engagement meetings on highway matters with groups of parishes across the County and by officers directly with parishes, as necessary. The Committee acknowledged the role of County Councillors and value of regular meetings with Parish Councils and neighbourhood highways officers about local issues and priorities.  

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

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Brenton had requested that the Committee consider concerns expressed locally over the need to restrict overtaking in this area in view of limited visibility and speeding restrictions in place.

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste referred to national regulations on solid white lines (to prohibit overtaking) and undertook to investigate the position in the area and report back directly to members by email. 

[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-petition-scheme/).

There was no petition from a member of the public or the Council relating to the Torridge District.

20 June and 10 October 2017 and 1 March 2018

County Council Committee dates available on the website:

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

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

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