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Meeting documents

North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders

Committee Minutes

Tue Nov 18 2014

Related Documents:
agenda for these minutes

Present

Councillors Yabsley (Chairman), Biederman, Edmunds, Chugg, Davis, Greenslade and Mathews

North Devon District Council

Councillors Cann, Manuel and Spear

Apologies:

Councillor Edgell.

*43 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2014 be signed as a correct record.

*44 Closure of North Devon Link Road A361: Bolham and Rackenford

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

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item, at the request of Councillor Greenslade, as a matter of urgency, in order that the Committee may be aware of the actions of South West Highways and the County Council arising from the closure of the A361 on 14 November following a vehicle collision. The diversion had created severe congestion and delay for road users in the Bolham and Rackenford area.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that contingency plans were in place with agreed diversion routes for different sections of the road. However on this occasion the plan had not been followed correctly. The Committee were assured that action had been taken to ensure all appropriate Devon Highway staff were aware of the agreed diversion routes.

*45 Contingency plans in the event of the Closure of the A39 between Roundswell roundabout and Bideford

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cann had requested that the Committee consider the impact on local communities arising from the closure of the A39 between Barnstaple and Bideford on 6 October 2014 and the impact on communities when traffic was diverted along the A3125 through Pilkington, Flemington, Instow and Yelland.

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The Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste reported that the Control Room at County hall had been aware of the situation arising from the serious vehicle collision. Diversionary plans had been properly implemented. Road works in Fremington had exacerbated problems and their impact had been risk assessed at the time and appropriate action taken under difficult circumstances. The Committee noted the importance of effective communication and signage in such circumstances.

*46 Devon Highways update

The Committee received a presentation by the Head of Highways, Capital Development Waste and the Commercial Director, South West Highways also attended and spoke at the invitation of the Committee updating Members on Devon Highways issues. The presentation and discussions covered:

use of recently announced additional capital and revenue funding of 16m; the revenue element had been mainly used for pothole repairs and the capital for highway resurfacing and structural patching

the bid process and Devon s success in gaining additional finance based on its robust asset management approach providing a clear evidence base of additional needs

reporting via the website in respect of potholes and SW Highways work practices incorporating new technology to optimise efficiency and deployment of gangs

details of the capital schemes had been sent to Parishes and members showing planned work across the County by County Council Division; and more detailed information was also available from the local neighbourhood highway officers. The details were on the Council s web site

the need for a holistic approach in terms of prevention of flooding of the highways

the need to revisit sand management policies at Instow in collaboration with the Bio Sphere partnership.

*47 Community Self Help and the Road Warden Scheme

The Committee received a presentation by the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste and the discussions covered

explanation of the Road Warden/Community self-help schemes on which further details would be sent to members

conferences for Parish and Town Councils when the community self-help initiatives had been explained, and the scope for smaller town and parish councils to work in cluster arrangements

examples of self-help initiatives throughout the County with on occasion Parish Councils using their Town and Parish (TAP) funding and or match funding and direct material support by the County Council

the Council was actively bidding for further funding to facilitate more community self-help initiatives in future

details of the Community payback scheme working with the Probation service.

*48 Successful Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) 15/16 applications

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/14/77 - text only | pdf | supplementary information PTE/14/77) on the County Council s application to this Fund created to help build strong local economies and address the urgent challenges of climate change. The County Council had successfully run LSTF programmes since 2011 and had been awarded 910,000 in revenue funding for one year from April 2015. The LSTF proposal for 2015/16 would build upon already successful projects to boost economic growth and support people in use of sustainable travel initiatives with additional contributions from the County Council and partners.

The Council had also been awarded a portion of additional Department for Transport funding of 999,119 for the Access to Education programme working with Sustrans and six other local authorities. This project aimed to tackle congestion on journeys to school and other educational settings.

It was MOVED by Councillor Yabsley, SECONDED by Councillor Chugg and

RESOLVED that the LSTF programme for 2015/16 as detailed in report PTE/14/77 - text only | pdf | supplementary information PTE/14/77 be approved.

*49 South Molton Proposed Speed Limits (Station Road)

(Councillors Moore and Goodman attended under the Council s Public Participation Scheme and spoke in support of the extension of the proposed 30 mph limit).

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/88 - text only | pdf HCW/14/88) on representations received during the South Molton 40mph Speed Limit Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation which suggested the extension of the proposed 30 mph speed limit along the whole of Station Road to the A361 (North Devon Link Road) instead of along that part adjacent to the proposed development only.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported on the collision record and that there were no safety grounds to depart from policy and extend the 30 mph limit, as suggested. PC Goulding also attended and spoke at the invitation of the Committee and advised that the requested further extension of the 30 mph limit would not be appropriate.

It was MOVED by Councillor Yabsley, SECONDED by Councillor Greenslade and

RESOLVED that the suggested extension of the proposed 30 mph speed limit on Station Road to the A361 (North Devon Link Road) be referred to Cabinet for determination as a departure from policy.

*50 Road Signage in the North Devon District (Minute *37)

The Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste reported on the limited response from Parish Councils (via the North Devon District Council monthly newsletter) in reporting missing or damaged fingerpost signs. A follow up article had been included in the latest newsletter.

It was MOVED by Councillor Cann, SECONDED by Councillor Yabsley and

RESOLVED that Members ensure that parish and town councils are aware of the request for information on damaged and missing fingerpost signs, to facilitate a strategic review by this Committee.

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*51 A361 West Buckland Junction

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/89 - text only | pdf HCW/14/89) on representations from East and West Buckland Parish Council requesting improvements to the A361 West Buckland Junction on highway safety grounds.

The Committee noted that the North Devon Link Road was currently the subject of a consultation process regarding potential future improvement and options would inform future bids for financial support to the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

It was MOVED by Councillor Yabsley, SECONDED by Councillor Chugg and

RESOLVED that in response to the consultation process the Committee request that a scheme be developed to incorporate a deceleration lane off the main carriageway travelling south from Barnstaple.

*52 Grass Cutting in Urban and Rural Areas

The Committee noted the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/90 - text only | pdf HCW/14/90) on action by the County Council to manage grass cutting in Urban and Rural Areas within North Devon and the contractor s performance who since delivering sufficient resources was fulfilling the required cuts within the season and up to an appropriate standard.

*53 Atherington: 20 mph speed limit (minute *40): Site Visit

(Councillor Riley attended under the Council s Public Participation Scheme and spoke in support of a 20 mph speed limit) .

The Neighbourhood Highway Manager reported that, following receipt of a petition on local safety concerns at the last meeting, a member site visit had been held on 16 September 2014 to examine the suggestion for a 20 mph speed limit on roads in Atherington . The Committee had been advised at the last meeting that the application for a 20 mph limit would not however meet the Council s criteria for a local 20 mph speed limit. PC Goulding also attended and spoke at the invitation of the Committee and advised that the proposed limit would not be appropriate.

Local County Members referred to the safety concerns relating to the volume and speed of HGVs in particular and the difficult narrow road conditions and lack of footways in the Village.

RESOLVED that the matter be referred to the Cabinet for determination as a departure from policy.

*54 Cedars Inn, Barnstaple: Traffic Congestion

(Councillor Greenslade declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of having family members living in the vicinity)

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cann had requested that the Committee consider issues arising from traffic congestion associated with the Cedars roundabout which were causing tailbacks to the roundabout at Petroc College and the impact on the local highway network of approved and outstanding residential developments.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that congestion at the Cedars Roundabout was primarily caused by the capacity of the road between the Cedars roundabout and the mini roundabout at the top of Sticklepath Hill. It was not a capacity problem for the roundabout and that the impact on the highway of the proposed developments was a matter for the Highway Authority as a consultee of the Local Planning Authority.

It was MOVED by Councillor Cann, SECONDED by Councillor Yabsley and

RESOLVED that the concerns about the highway implications of approved and proposed residential development in and around Barnstaple be relayed to the Development Management Committee.

*55 Cedars Roundabout: Speeding and Dangerous Driving in Westleigh

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Biederman had requested that the Committee consider congestion at the Cedars roundabout and resultant rat running and speeding in Fremington and Westleigh and presented a petition to the Chairman about local concerns.

The Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste undertook to arrange for speed checks at Old School Lane, Fremington and he would also check to ascertain if County Council policy and criteria allowed for 30 mph speed restrictions in Westleigh.

*56 Parking issues Littabourne Estate, Barnstaple

(Councillor Greenslade declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of a family member working in the Police Station in the vicinity)

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Greenslade had requested that the Committee consider what action may be taken to prevent or reduce the level of inconsiderate parking in Youings Drive (to avoid Hospital car parking charges).

It was MOVED by Councillor Greenslade, SECONDED by Councillor Manuel and

RESOLVED that options for parking restrictions in Youings Drive and at the roundabout be investigated and discussed with the local Members.

*57 Traffic Calming for St George s Rd Barnstaple

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Greenslade had requested that the Committee consider the introduction of traffic calming measures following concerns expressed by local residents.

It was MOVED by Councillor Greenslade, SECONDED by Councillor Yabsley and

RESOLVED that traffic calming proposals for St Georges Road be investigated and discussed with the local Member

*58 Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee noted the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/91 - text only | pdf HCW/14/91) on actions taken under Delegated Powers since the last meeting and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Chairman and Local Members.

*59 Dates of Future Meetings

The Committee noted the following dates: 18 November 2014, 21 April 2015, 1 December 2015 and 12 April 2016

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

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

The meeting started at 10.00am and finished at 12. 40 p.m.

Date Published: Wed Dec 03 2014

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