Present

Devon County Council

Councillors Boyd (Chairman), Eastman, Boyle, Parsons and Robinson

Torridge District Council

Councillor Lee

Member attending in Accordance with Standing Order 25

Councillor Leadbetter

Apologies

Councillor Collins

*32 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2010 be signed as a correct record.

*33 Impact on Bideford Residents Regarding the Installation of Traffic Lights at Westleigh Junction

(In accordance with Standing Order 23 (2) Councillor Robinson had requested that this item be raised at the meeting)

Councillor Robinson referred to concerns about the consultation process following the decision of the Cabinet (Minute 215 14 July 2010):

that the traffic signal improvement layout shown on drawing EATS(N)351/20/0 be approved for consultation with local District and Parish Councils and that delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation for final scheme approval, providing there are no materially significant objections at the consultation stage.

Members discussion points with the Principal Engineer and Chief Assistant Area Engineer included

confirmation of the engineering integrity of the Torridge new bridge and loading tolerances (well within the full capacity)

the extensive consultation arrangements including public exhibitions at local libraries website links and letters to North Devon and Torridge District Councils, and local town/parish councils

consultation responses from Bideford Town Council and Northam Town Council objecting to the traffic signal improvement proposal and indicating a preference for a roundabout solution; and other objections to the proposal received to date

the estimated cost for the proposal, and estimated comparative costs of the respective roundabout options and alternative routes and the engineering and other difficulties involved with the various options

based on current projections the need for improvements to increase the capacity by 2026 with the traffic signal improvement proposal

the projected accident record if no action was taken and the respective economic rates of return for the various options

the tender process which had not been formally initiated pending the final decision from Cabinet on 13 April 2011.

It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Robinson and

RESOLVED that in light of the objections received the Cabinet be requested to suspend the proposal for traffic signalling and that further appraisal of a roundabout solution be investigated and any new proposal be subject to further consultation.

*34 Winter Maintenance Policy

(In accordance with Standing Order 23 (2) Councillor Robinson had requested that this item be raised at the meeting).

Councillor Robinson had requested discussion on the following aspects

a review of responses to snow conditions;

provision of grit bins and supplies; and

definitive maps of the precautionary and response gritting routes and a re-appraisal of these.

Members discussion points with the Chief Assistant Engineer included:

the need for local communities Town and Parish Councils to be assisted to respond to adverse conditions and to clear footways and minor roads. Individuals and companies could also undertake gritting/salting work (if carried out in a safe and proper manner)

the use of locality budgets for proposed new grit bins

the need to ensure culverts are cleared to prevent water damage to the highway, the increasing number of potholes and general deterioration of the minor road network, and use by large HGVs which was causing further damage

concern about timely responses to questions raised by local parish/town councils

the government national allocation of 100m for potholes

maps available showing the primary and secondary gritting/salting routes

the budget allowed for gritting of approximately 20% of the network which entailed priority for the primary routes and secondary routes when appropriate.

The Committee commended the work carried out by the road crews during the severe weather conditions.

*35 Vehicular Access Narrow Streets: Bideford

(In accordance with Standing Order 23 (2) Councillor Boyd has requested that this item be raised at the meeting)

Councillor Boyd referred to car parking and associated access issues (for mobility scooters in particular) in Bull Hill and Holmestone Street, Torrington which needed review and further discussion of available options.

*36 Torrington: New Cycle Way

(In accordance with Standing Order 23 (2) Councillor Boyd has requested that this item be raised at the meeting)

Councillor Boyd reported on delays of the approved scheme (2011/12 LTP programme) as a result of legal issues relating to local bye laws and the commoners (Torrington Conservators) and development rights. The County Solicitor was investigating the legal issues involved. The Assistant Chief Engineer reported on the funding sources.

Progress would be reported to a further meeting.

*37 Highway Management Restructure: Virtual Joint Venture with South West Highways

(In accordance with Standing Order 23 (2) Councillor Boyd has requested that this item be raised at the meeting)

Arising on member questions the Chief Assistant Engineer reported on proposed changes in highway management arrangements and relationship with the County Council s contractors in response to the recent budget reductions agreed by the County Council. The proposals entailed staff being asked to work flexibly as part of pilot arrangements under their current job descriptions and other terms and conditions in order to test and develop a detailed proposal during the summer. A progress update was due to be considered by the Cabinet on 13 April 2011.

It was MOVED by Councillor Boyd, SECONDED by Councillor Robinson and

RESOLVED that a report on the proposed changes and implications for this hatoc be considered at a special meeting and the Committee s views be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration at its meeting on 13 April 2011.

*38 Dates of Future Meetings

The Committee noted the following dates: Monday, 13 June; Monday, 10 October; and Monday, 5 March 2012;

The meeting started at 11.00 am and finished at 1.10 pm

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

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT