Present

Councillors Davis, Fowler, Greenslade, Haywood, Jenkins and Yabsley.

Apologies for Absence

Councillors Cann and Tucker.

*36 Election of Chairman

Councillor Fowler was elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

*37 Election of Vice-Chairman

Councillor Tucker was elected Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

*38 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2007 be signed as a correct record.

*39 Urgent Business

(Items taken under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972)

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider items (a) and (b) below as a matter of urgency because of the need for the issues involved to be addressed as soon as possible.

(a) Traffic Issues in Braunton

Following concerns expressed by Councillor Jenkins, it was agreed that a report on traffic issues in Braunton should be submitted to the next meeting.

(b) Footpath 92 - Capstone, Ilfracombe

The Chairman expressed concern at the proposed temporary closure of this coastal footpath during the tourist season and asked if it could be postponed until later in the year. The Area Engineer (North) pointed out that consultations had taken place on the proposal but undertook to review the timing of the closure.

Barnstaple Western Bypass

Councillor Greenslade commented on the recent opening of the Barnstaple Western Bypass and Taw Bridge and on the benefits this would bring to the area. He thanked the staff for all their dedicated work on the project over a long period.

The Chairman and other Committee members shared Councilor Greenslade s sentiments.

*40 Trinity Street, Barnstaple

Councillor Greenslade drew attention to a petition that he had received from local residents for the removal (on road safety and environmental grounds) of through traffic from Trinity Street, Barnstaple which was one of a network of streets used as a rat run to the town centre. He had observed over 200 vehicles an hour using this route at peak times, acknowledged the impact on the local community and strongly supported a road closure.

A representative of the local residents spoke in support of the request under the County Council s Public Participation Scheme.

Mr Joe Deasy, Area Engineer (North) and his colleague, Mr James Anstee, Area Traffic Engineer, outlined possible ways forward, pointing out that any remedial measures would have to take into account, and involve consultations with residents of, neighbouring streets. MPC Jon Benson, the Police representative, also responded.

It was MOVED by Councillor Greenslade, SECONDED by Councillor Fowler and RESOLVED:

(a) that appropriate measures be taken to consult the local residential area regarding removal of through traffic from Trinity Street, Barnstaple;

(b) that the Area Engineer (North), in consultation with the Chairman and the local County Councillor, be authorised to progress action as soon as possible.

*41 Management of Barnstaple Park and Ride

The Committee considered a report by the Area Engineer (North) on proposals to tackle car park capacity issues and improve the management of the Park and Ride facility located beside Park School, Newport, Barnstaple.

The facility, which had opened in September 2001, had a 160 space car park with a route through Rock Park into the centre of Barnstaple. A recent survey had shown that the car park was running near to capacity and that only about 50% of drivers parking in the car park were using the ride facility. Of the other drivers some walked or cycled into the town or Rock Park, some used the car park to leave a car while they car shared and some used the car park to access the school or Rock Park. In order to deter inappropriate use of the facility, introduce greater control and a method to manage demand as development progresses within the town, authority was sought for a revised Off-Street Order to set up Pay and Display between the hours that the bus service operated.

The report covered the impact of the proposals on: the use of the site by the Park School, walking and cycling trips, surrounding streets, concessionary bus travellers; and alterations to existing charging mechanisms, enforcement, cost implications, consultations, and the contribution to the Devon Strategic Plan and Local Transport Plan.

The Area Engineer (North) reported on responses received to the consultation on the proposals.

It was MOVED by Councillor Haywood, SECONDED by Councillor Greenslade and RESOLVED:

(a) that further consideration be given to the issues involving the Park School;

(b) that the Area Engineer (North), in consultation with the Chairman and local County Councillor, be authorised to advertise an Off-Street Parking Order to implement Pay and Display charges at the Park and Ride facility, Newport, Barnstaple.

*42 Future HATOC Meetings

(a) Date of Next Meeting

The Committee noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday 27 September 2007 at 11.00am.

(b) Procedures Committee Decision

The Committee also noted that, in reviewing the arrangements for HATOCs and County Committees, the Procedures Committee on 11 May 2007 had resolved that the status quo be maintained although HATOCs and County Committees be reminded of the need to structure their agenda so as to minimise any inconvenience or disruption for guest speakers and that Committees representing rural areas be encouraged wherever possible, as a means of securing the most effective local arrangements, to meet on the same day, subject to a further review in 12 months time .

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 11.00am and finished at pm 12.05pm