Present:

Devon County Council

Councillors Cann, Chugg, Davis, Edgell, Fowler, Greenslade, Haywood and J Yabsley

North Devon Council

Councillors Manuel, Mathews and P Yabsley

*20 Election of Chairman

Councillor J Yabsley was elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

*21 Election of Vice-Chairman

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

*22 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2010 be signed as a correct record.

*23 Proposed Speed Limit at Portmore Roundabout (Min. No 12/3 December 2009)

The Committee considered a report by the Area Engineer (North) (EEC/10/125/HQ - text only | pdf EEC/10/125/HQ) outlining alternatives to a proposed 40mph buffer speed limit on the A361 North Devon Link Road approach to Portmore Roundabout at Barnstaple in line with a request at last December s HATOC meeting.

The speed limit had been recommended to help reduce a record of shunt related casualties caused by vehicles approaching the roundabout along the North Devon Link Road. Existing casualty reduction measures at this location included a fixed safety camera for traffic heading north towards Portmore and a queue warning electronic traffic sign. Alternatives investigated involved extending the proposed 40 mph limit to encompass the Landkey junction and no further safety engineering measures at this time. Following further investigation of approach speeds and monitoring of recent crash data and taking into account reduced queuing at the roundabout, the Area Engineer s view was that an extended 40 mph limit could not be justified and that existing highway safety measures should be maintained.

It was MOVED by Councillor Edgell, SECONDED by Councillor Davis and

RESOLVED that no speed limit be advertised at this time.

*24 Items Raised under Standing Order 23

The Area Engineer (North) reported on, and the Committee discussed, issues raised by members with the following outcomes:

(a) Impact of Proposed Restructuring on North Devon (Councillor Cann) - agreed that further information should be provided at the next meeting on the current strategic review of highway services in Devon and the implications for services in North Devon.

(b) Highway Maintenance Backlog in North Devon (Councillor Cann) - noted that road maintenance performance in North Devon was in line with Strategic Plan pledges and agreed that an update should be given at the next meeting on the position regarding the highway maintenance backlog in North Devon.

(c) A39/B3222 Westleigh Junction, Bideford (Councillor Cann) - noted that a report seeking approval of proposed improvements for consultation would be submitted to the next meeting of the Cabinet on 14 July 2010 and that Councillor Cann as the local member would be briefed beforehand.

(d) Speed Limit at Rock Park, Newport, Barnstaple (Councillor Mathews) - noted that consideration would be given to the inclusion of an improvement scheme from the Casualty Reduction and Route Management Programme element of the Devon Local Transport Plan.

*25 Dates for Future Meetings

The Committee noted the following:

Next Meeting:

26 October 2010

Subsequent Meeting:

22 March 2011

(both Tuesdays at 10.00am)

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 10.00am and finished at 10.50am

The Minutes of the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee are published on the County Council s Website at:-