Present

Devon County Council

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

Apologies

Councillor Lee

*39 Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

RESOLVED

(a) that Councillor Boyle be elected Chairman for the ensuing meeting

(b) that Councillor Eastman be elected Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.

*40 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2011 be signed as a correct record.

*41 Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 - 2026: Implementation Plan for Devon and Proposed 2011/12 Programme

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/11/2 - text only | pdf PTE/11/2) on the provisions and allocations within the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 - 2026 approved by the Cabinet on 9 March 2011.

Members discussion points with the Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager included

members request for more information on the Integrated Block Programme and the 5 elements totalling 4.106m

the overall programme for the Torridge Hatoc: Local Transport Plan Programme Elements totalling 4.783m and further questions on the detail relating to the A39/A361 junctions totalling 70,000 and the proportion for this HATOC area, which would be sent to members

questions relating to the reallocation of the funds in respect of the reserve scheme A386 Torrington Station Hill

concern about the none provision within the programme for a Winkleigh Traffic Calming scheme

members concern about the none provision within the Casualty Reduction and Route Management element for the area

members concern and questions relating to the rationale and criteria for the allocation of 4.78m from a County total of 59m, which the Group Manger explained was based on objective need assessments and priorities in accordance with the LTP Strategy

the strategic role of the newly appointed Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment was explained

members concern about the overall general lack of provision and services in this rural area with its high levels of deprivation.

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

RESOLVED that further information, as outlined above, on the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan be sent to members.

*42 Highway Management Restructure: Virtual Joint Venture with South West Highways (Minute 37)

The Committee received a presentation by the Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager. The presentation set the scene about the need to find 8m reductions from Highway Management budget in 2011/12 and the subsequent Highway Management Review which resulted in three key recommendations:

Centralise key works programmes and processes to increase efficiency and ensure consistency;

Establish Highway Neighbourhood Teams to support Members and meet the new Localism agenda;

Move to a virtual joint working arrangement with South West Highways.

The presentation went on to discuss the detailed working of this new joint venture which would be known as Devon Highways under the headings of Key Purpose and Group Purpose.

Members discussion points included:

the allocated local neighbourhood officers to support and brief members, who could be available for parish meetings if required on more important strategic local issues. The provision of local surgeries would also be considered

concern about the trend towards more centralisation and possible impact on communication, information and flexibility in responding to local issues

the virtual joint venture with SW Highways involving closer working relationships and the implications for the future leading possibly to a reversal to in-house provision, deemed by independent research to be the most efficient and cost effective

more information requested by members on the application of the 9.3m winter maintenance allocation (to be provided via their respective neighbourhood officer briefings) and on which members wanted further input

this was a pilot reorganisation which was subject to further review and roll out across the County.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that a update report on the pilot project would be presented to the next meeting.

*43 Impact on Bideford Residents Regarding the Installation of Traffic Lights at Westleigh Junction (Minute 33)

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported on the Cabinet decision of 11 May and the report of the Deputy Executive Director of Environment, Economy Culture (EEC/11/84/HQ - text only | pdf | supplementary information EEC/11/84/HQ) on the outcome of further consultations and analysis of the available options for this junction.

. The Cabinet had agreed

RESOLVED

(a) that the revised scheme shown on drawing EATS(N) 351/39/0 for an improved traffic signal layout at Westleigh Junction be approved;

(b) that the final estimated cost of 660,000 be approved, for implementation; and

(c) that the Cabinet s approval of the proposed scheme together with a copy of Report EEC/11/84/HQ - text only | pdf | supplementary information EEC/11/84/HQ be promulgated to the District, Town and Parish Councils and other stakeholders and respondents to the consultation.

Councillor Robinson expressed his concerns over the consultation and decision making process in this matter and reiterated the views of the local parish, town and District Councils for an alternative scheme and support for a roundabout solution.

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

RESOLVED that this Committee s concern about the consultation process and decision making process in respect of this matter be relayed to the Cabinet and that in view of the local opposition to the approved scheme a solution based on a roundabout be implemented.

*44 Vehicular Access Narrow Streets: Bull Hill Bideford (Minute 35)

Councillor Boyd referred to car parking and associated access issues (for mobility scooters in particular) in Bull Hill, Torrington.

The Group Manager reported that a waiting restriction was in force and that the Civil Parking Enforcement Manager would be advised of the need for enhanced enforcement.

A report would be submitted to the next meeting.

*45 Parking Issues in Well St Torrington (Minute 26)

(Councillor Boyd declared a personal interest in view of his residency in Well Street)

Councillor Boyd reported on continued inappropriate car parking and obstruction of egress/access of a local elderly disabled resident using her mobility scooter despite a joint DCC/Police letter to local residents. Members asked the local police Casualty Reduction Officer to request the neighbourhood police team to issue Fixed Penalty notices as appropriate. He indicated that he would inform the local team accordingly.

*46 Torrington: New Cycle Way (Minute 36)

The Committee noted that this scheme was in the LTP reserved list pending clarification of legal issues.

*47 Dates of Future Meetings

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

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

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

The meeting started at 11.00 am and finished at 1.05 pm