Present

Devon County Council

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

Torridge District Council

Councillors Brenton and Lee

*57 Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 October be signed as a correct record

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*58 Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026: Proposed Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15 for Devon

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/12/9 - text only | pdf PTE/12/9) on the proposed programme for the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block and corporate funding over the next three years in the Torridge area. The report outlined the allocations for Torridge relating to Highway Structural Maintenance, Bridge Assessment and Strengthening (nil allocation), Casualty Reduction; and Market and Coastal Towns Rural Foundation programme local schemes. The allocations for all HATOC areas had been agreed by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 December 2011, report (PTE/11/36 - text only | pdf PTE/11/36) refers.

Members discussion points with the Neighbourhood Highway Managers included:

Members referred to safety issues of vulnerable pedestrians from residential/day day care units near the Hayward Road Junction and roundabout which should be afforded a higher priority within the Minor Schemes programme this would be given further consideration by officers. Feasibility studies were under way to improve capacity at this junction and the findings would be shared with local members in due course

comparison of allocations with other HATOC districts within the County on which further information was requested. This would be circulated to members in due course

the minor schemes programme developed for market and coastal towns was primarily a programme of minor highway improvements covering locations outside of Exeter to benefit rural and coastal communities

reference and the view from a local member that proposed improved cycle provision from the Tarka Trail to the Torrington town centre could be better used for Torrington to Meath.

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

RESOLVED that the funding provision included in report PTE/11/36 - text only | pdf PTE/11/36 agreed by Cabinet be noted and that the further information relating to allocations to the HATOCs be forwarded to members of this Committee.

*59 Update on References to Cabinet (9 November 2011 Min *410)

(a) Torridge North Devon HATOCs: Westleigh Junction Improvement 40 Speed Limit

The Committee noted that the Cabinet had considered the Committee reference and resolved as follows:

RESOLVED that, there being no justification for a departure from current policy, the Cabinet accept the advice of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management on the proposal for a mandatory 40mph speed limit between Westleigh Junction and the Heywood Road roundabout and a mandatory 30mph speed limit across the whole of the Heywood Road roundabout, consistent with national guidance and County Council policy.

(b) Torridge HATOC: Devon Highways One Team

The Committee noted that the Cabinet had considered the Committee reference and resolved:

RESOLVED that, while acknowledging the HATOCs comments, it be recognised that the operation of the Council s vacancy management system is outside the HATOCs terms of reference.

*60 Torridge Signs and Lines: Torridge Signage Register - Review of Outstanding Items; Directional Signage in Torridge District, Alterations to Parking Restrictions in Great Torrington (Minute 54)

The Neighbourhood Highway Manager reported that he had confirmed with the Enforcement Team that the restrictions would be monitored and enforcement action was taken when necessary. A local member expressed disappointment that previous requests for review and rationalisation of the restrictions had not been implemented to date. The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager explained that there was limited staff capacity within the Traffic Orders team and that proposed orders and requests were being prioritised on a county basis and a 3 year programme determined. The programme will be reported to the next HATOC meeting.

*61 Environmental Enhancement of Jubilee Square, Bideford: Update on Project Progress

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/12/12 - text only | pdf HTM/12/12) on progress to date and the intended delivery programme. The Orders had been advertised and no objections had been received. It was now proposed that the contract would start on 10 April 2012 and the time table would be shortened from a 14 week programme to 8 weeks to allow completion by the time of the Jubilee celebrations subject to agreement of funding partners. The Neighbourhood Highway Manager confirmed that the possibility of extension of the scheme into Cooper Street would be investigated, and that that the Town Council had been advised to seek planning permission for flag poles which was not covered by permitted development regulations.

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

RESOLVED that the proposals for enhancement of Jubilee Square be welcomed.

*62 Road Safety Improvements, including Yarde and Townsend Hill at Winkleigh

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

Councillor Boyd noted that a scheme for Yarde and Townesend Hill had been included in the Minor Schemes programme of the LTP and expressed concern that these would not be carried out until 2014/15 and that it should receive a higher priority, which he could discuss with the Cabinet Lead. The Committee noted the position.

*63 Minor Road Maintenance: Allocation of Budget

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

Councillor Boyle referred to increased allocation of funding for highway maintenance of 5m by the Council for c roads. The allocation of this was being assessed by the Asset Management Team. Members expressed the view that there should be local member involvement on the application of this additional funding. It was noted that further information on allocations would be circulated to members covering last year s allocation and this year s by district HATOC area (minute 58 refers).

*64 Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee noted and received the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/12/13 - text only | pdf HTM/12/13) on delegated actions since the last meeting and Local Transport Plan schemes implemented as part of the 2011/12 programme, under delegated powers.

*65 Dates of Future Meetings

The Committee noted the following dates:

11 June, 8 October 2012 and 4 March 2013

*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 10.00 am and finished at 12. 30 pm