Present

Devon County Council

Councillors Hannon (Chairman), Berry, Colthorpe, Lee, Radford and Way

Mid Devon District Council

Councillors Holloway and Wilson

*86 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 12 March and 18 June 2012 be signed as correct records.

*87 Petitions

The Chairman was presented by Ms S Bussell with a petition from local residents containing 345 signatories requesting a road crossing at Leat Street in Tiverton and by Councillor Way from local residents of Bow containing approximately 250 signatories requesting improved street lighting at Burston Cross, Bow.

*88 Progress Report on Crediton and Tiverton Cycle Paths

(Councillor Hannon declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a member of Sustrans)

The Chairman was presented by Councillor Cunningham (Crediton Town Council) a petition from residents of Crediton and the local area with 51 signatures calling for a safe cycle path from Crediton to Exeter.

In accordance with the County Council s Petition Scheme the Head of Service would be asked to respond to the petitioners on the issues raised within 15 working days.

Councillors Cunningham, Downs and James (Crediton Town Council) and Ms Pope (Crediton Access Group) and Mr Smyth (Silverton Cycle Club) attended and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee on the need for a safe cycling route between Crediton and Exeter for both commuter and recreational use, emphasising the economic, health (including air quality), safety and sustainability benefits and the need for local consultation, to include access groups, about proposed routes and design.

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management reported that the Cabinet had agreed a capital programme of development for cycle paths, for 2012 to 2014 details of which were available at

text only | pdf HTM/12/41.CMRrn=12/WD747dg=Public">http://www.devon.gov.uk/loadtrimdocument?url=filename=HTM/12/41 - text only | pdf HTM/12/41.CMRrn=12/WD747dg=Public

The Council had also looked to the period from 2015 to 2017 to identify potential schemes including routes that might link Exeter to Crediton and Exeter to Tiverton, but these had not been confirmed and would be subject to prioritisation as resources permitted. The Council had however commissioned a feasibility study on possible route options for such a scheme and a full analysis was yet to be undertaken. These routes were still at the feasibility stage and required considerable major engineering work (particularly in respect of river and rail crossings) and negotiations with landowners.

It was MOVED by Councillor Way, SECONDED by Councillor Lee and

RESOLVED

(a) that the Cabinet be requested to prioritise a safe cycle path project between Crediton and Exeter in view of the strong local support, potential high use by commuters as well as recreational users and other clear economic and environmental benefits;

(b) that Members be kept informed of the progress of the current feasibility study and an update be given to the Committee at a future meeting.

*89 Wales and West Utilities: Essential Gas Mains Replacement in Gold Street, Tiverton

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2), Councillor Wilson had asked that the Committee consider the highway arrangements arising from the gas mains replacement in Gold Street, Tiverton.

The Committee received a briefing note from the Head of Highways and Traffic Management on the planned traffic management arrangements relating to the gas main replacement scheme in the centre of Tiverton, programmed to take approximately 9 - 10 weeks from January 2012.

Members discussed the need to ensure all shop/business affected were contacted directly by the Utility Company giving formal notice and providing a contact point (telephone number) in respect of any concerns they may have. The Head of Service undertook to check the position. Members also expressed the view and need for proper enforcement of the traffic arrangements during the works period.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannon, SECONDED by Councillor Wilson and

RESOLVED that the Chairman and local members meet with County Council Officers to discuss in more detail the practicalities involved including enforcement issues.

*90 Mill Street, Crediton

Ms Pope attended and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee on the need for a new footway at this location to improve access.

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management reported on a feasibility study into the potential for a new footway on the west side of Mill Street and gave a preliminary estimate and outlined the method of scheme delivery. The overall estimated cost of the scheme was approximately 66,000 and as this would not represent a significant cost/benefit ratio it could not be pursued. Further consideration could be given to this matter if as part of any wider development proposal in the area. The Head of Service undertook to inform the local Town Council of the difficulties and advise them accordingly.

*91 Tiverton Eastern Extension

The Committee received a presentation by the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment on the likely traffic impacts of the extension of the Town and proposed highway mitigation measures and potential costs.

The scheme included two major junctions (one of which would facilitate improved access to the North Devon Link (NDL) road); enhancements in Blundell's Road and off site highway improvements. The proposals would be subject to public consultation with three access options to the NDL and the County Council s preferred scheme. Subject to approval funding would be through an element of section 106 contributions and from a County Council capital bid to government. The proposals were being considered in detail through the Master Planning process involving local members and officers from both County and District Councils and the developer.

Members expressed the view that the works should be carried out alongside the proposed developments to alleviate in particular the impact on Blundell s Road from the outset; a point that was being made clear through the Master Planning process.

*92 Control of Hedges, Verges and Overhanging Trees

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management reported on current policy and practice.

The Committee received sample letters for landowners whose hedges or trees obstructed the footway or highway. The first was a warning to owners requesting rectification and the second was giving formal notice of requirements and that if necessary the work would be carried out by the Authority and the owner would be liable for the costs.

Local members were advised to report any concerns locally to the Customer Service Centre.

*93 County Policy for On Street Car Parking Charges

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2), Councillor Hannon had asked that the Committee consider the implementation of the current charging policy.

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management reported on the current review across the 28 market towns. Schemes were being developed as resources permitted where there was local demand for controlled parking.

*94 Part-Night Lighting Operation

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hannon had asked that the Committee consider the operation of part-night lighting.

The Committee received and noted a briefing note on the practical application of the scheme.

*95 Winter Resilience

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management reported on progress of the development of winter resilience plans and referred to the 2012/13 Emergency Plan (adverse weather) available on the County Council s website at:

http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/councildemocracy/publicsafety/emergencies/emergency_plans/emergency_planning-severe_weather.htm

Members were advised to inform the Customer Service Centre if salt levels in grit bins were diminished. Parish Councils participating in the Snow Warden Scheme would have their salt supplies replenished free of charge if they could demonstrate it had been used appropriately through the Neighbourhood Highway Team.

*96 Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee noted the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/12/45 - text only | pdf HTM/12/45) of actions taken under delegated powers since the last meeting.

*97 Administration of Claims Against DCC Highways for Damage to Vehicles etc

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2), Councillor Hannon had asked that the Committee consider difficulties being experienced by members of the public in processing claims as a result of damage to a vehicle allegedly caused by a pothole, asking whether members had had similar experiences. The Chairman undertook to investigate the matter further.

*98 Items for Future Meetings

RESOLVED that reports and updates be made to future meetings as appropriate on:

(a) the Eastern Distributor Road, Cullomton: progress, preferred options (with plans) and proposed funding arrangements;

(b) update on the feasibility study relating to a Crediton - Exeter Cycle path;

(c) Wales and West Utilities: operation of the traffic management arrangements relating to repair of gas pipes;

(d) Winter Resilience Programme operation and effectiveness.

*99 Date of Next Meeting

Monday, 11 March 2013 at 10.30 am.

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 10.00am and finished at 12.00noon

Minutes of this Committee are published on the County Council s Website at: