Present:-

Devon County Council:-

Councillors Croad (Chairman), Black, Brazil, Day, Hart, Hawkins, Mumford and Pennington

South Hams District Council:-

Councillors Coulson and Hannaford

*49 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held 29 July 2011 be signed as a correct record.

*50 Devon Highways - One Team

The Devon Highways Change Manager gave a presentation on the implementation of changes in the County Council s highway management arrangements following a review undertaken in response to budget reductions which had made three key recommendations: centralise key works programmes and processes to increase efficiency and ensure consistency; establish Neighbourhood Highway Teams to support Members and meet the new Localism agenda; and move to a virtual joint working arrangement with South West Highways, the County Council s highway maintenance contractors.

The Devon Highways Change Manager indicated that, following work between the County Council and South West Highways to redesign the highway management service, a pilot structure was launched last Spring with the aim of creating a new one team approach under a virtual joint venture arrangement which was also launched as Devon Highways . The new structure included seven Neighbourhood Highway Teams whose role was to understand local issues and provide local advice and information on highway and traffic management. Following the success of the pilot stage, the process for a formal restructure of the highway management service had been launched which included further consultation with staff. The Devon Highways Change Manager outlined the new structure, its underlying aims and principles and the consultation process.

The Devon Highways Change Manager and other highways staff responded to queries and comments from members on matters including: staff reductions; staff training; the position regarding Parish Lengthsmen; weed clearance; devolution of services to local councils; and self help within communities.

*51 Casualty Severity Reduction Scheme - A381 Halwell to Totnes

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/11/38 - text only | pdf HTM/11/38) seeking approval for a casualty severity reduction scheme involving changes to signing and lining on the A381 between Halwell and Totnes.

The scheme followed a study of collision records, highway geometry and condition factors on this stretch of road of over 5 miles.

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Sir Simon Day and

RESOLVED that the scheme for the A381 Halwell to Totnes be approved at a cost of 33,000.

*52 Casualty Severity Reduction Scheme - A379 Yealmpton to Modbury

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/11/39 - text only | pdf HTM/11/39) seeking approval for a casualty severity reduction scheme involving changes to signing and lining on the A379 between Yealmpton and Modbury.

The scheme followed a study of collision records, highway geometry and condition factors on this stretch of road of approximately 4.5 miles. It included the removal of a short, isolated section of 30mph speed limit at Yealmbridge and the introduction of a longer, more easily enforceable 40mph speed limit from Dunstone Cross to Yealmpton.

Councillor Mumford, the local County Councillor, referred to the need for a Gateway Statement at Dunstone Cross.

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Mumford and

RESOLVED

(a) that the scheme for the A379 Yealmpton to Modbury be approved at a cost of 53,000;

(b) that the Traffic Regulation Order be advertised and, if no objections are received, signed and sealed.

*53 Seafront Road, Torcross Pedestrian Zone Traffic Regulation Order

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/11/40 - text only | pdf HTM/11/40) drawing attention to:

the advertisement of a Traffic Regulation Order to formalise the arrangement under which the seafront road was closed to through traffic by the use of removable bollards

proposals for the issue of permits for residents vehicles within the pedestrian zone

consultations, representations received and technical matters.

It was MOVED by Councillor Brazil, SECONDED by Councillor Croad and

RESOLVED that Traffic Regulation Order as advertised be made, sealed and implemented with the amendment of removing the following exemption clauses from the TRO:

(a) an invalid carriage;

(b) a vehicle issued to a disabled person by the Department of Health in lieu of an invalid carriage;

(c) a disabled person's vehicle which displays in the relevant position a disabled persons badge.

*54 Action Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee received and noted the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/11/41 - text only | pdf HTM/11/41) on action taken since the last meeting under delegated powers relating to the implementation of a Traffic Order in Fore Street, Ivybridge following advertisement.

*55 Dry Bridge A38, Rattery (Minute *46/29 July 2011)

The Committee noted that following representations made by the County Council and others the Highways Agency had recently confirmed that it was no longer intending to remove Dry Bridge over the A38 and would be seeking funding to replace the bridge; in the meantime the situation would be monitored and remedial works carried out as necessary by the Highways Agency to extend the life of the structure.

*56 Dates for Future Meetings

The Committee noted that meetings had been arranged for the following dates:

20 April 2012

20 July 2012

30 November 2012

19 April 2013

(all Fridays, 9.30am at Follaton House, Totnes)

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 9.30am and finished at 10.35am.

The Minutes of the South Hams Highways Traffic Orders Committee are published on the County Council s Website at:-