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Meeting documents

Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders

Committee Minutes

Thu Apr 18 2013

Related Documents:
agenda for these minutes

Present

Devon County Council

Councillors Leadbetter (Chairman), Brock, Mrs Foggin, Hannaford, Newcombe, Owen, Prowse, Mrs Spence and Westlake

Exeter City Council

Councillors Ruffle, Wardle and Winterbottom

Apologies

Councillor Bull (Exeter City Council)

*176 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2013 be signed as a correct record.

*177 Matters of Urgency

(a) Exeter Central Library: Provision of Parking Bays for Disabled Drivers

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

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item a matter of urgency in order that members might receive a report on disabled parking provision at the Central Library.

Members noted that a full report on the provision for disabled parking would be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee.

(b) Exwick Road and Exwick Villas: Parking: Limited Waiting

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

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item a matter of urgency in order that members might consider the current position.

The Head of Highways and Traffic Management undertook to update the local member about the progress of the proposed Traffic Order.

*178 Bus Services in Exeter

Mr Robert Williams, Commercial Director Stagecoach South West, updated the Committee on developments since the last meeting which included:

extension of route B to Exminster and introduction of new evening/Sunday timetable on routes D and H for the residents of Broadfields from February 2013;

from 1 April 2013 fare increases in line with inflation;

commencement of the summer service from 26/27 May 2013 on some out-of-City services; and a new service 4 to Cranbrook replacing routes 60 and 380 with a new hourly service to Honiton and beyond, and half-hourly to Cranbrook; and new timetable on route 2 to improve reliability, including extensions to routes B and 11;.

In answer to members previous questions Mr Williams reported that

in respect of the B service the number of passengers did not currently justify an increase in its frequency or a later evening service to Beacon Health. Stagecoach was however in discussions with the County Council about introducing a Sunday service to this area, probably sometime in the summer;

most of the services in Exeter High Street ran at fairly high frequencies to make connections as easy as possible. Stagecoach focused on ensuring that the most important connections were available as it was not possible for everything to meet at once. If there were any particular connections that needed attention the Company could look at them later in the year;

there had not been a timetable change to the A service since 2011, however occasionally there were cancellations, for breakdowns for example and if there were any specific dates or times which have raised concern the Company would investigate.

Members discussion points and responses from Mr Williams and the Head of Highways and Traffic Management included:

the need to review the P service to enable local residents to access the health centre in Cowick Street more easily; and similarly review the B service to Marsh Barton which bypassed Alphington Road. (In response Mr Williams indicated that in respect of the P service with its frequency and reliability it catered for the current patronage and growth and any changes could not be justified; in terms of the B service Cowick Street was well served by other services);

review of the B service in view of the new residential development at the Brick Works. (Mr Williams in response indicated that the Company did liaise with the County Council in respect of bus services for larger developments and use of Section 106 funding for bus services where appropriate, as exemplified by new services for the Cranbrook and Newcourt developments. He also indicated that the Company would also review the position in respect of local services and smaller developments)

the level of market research in respect of demand and review of local services (Mr Williams undertook to consider providing more information)

the proposed location of a bus shelter in Cowick Street (the Head of Highways and Traffic Management undertook to investigate and report to the local member)

the increased use of smaller buses in Buller Road which was welcomed

the need for evening G service (which was a supported service during the day) and in response (Mr Williams indicated that there were no plans for an evening service and he undertook to review the position)

the frequency of the J service (supported by section 106 funding to Newcourt) and should passenger numbers increase Mr Williams indicated that a review could be undertaken by the Company.

The Chairman thanked Mr Williams for his attendance and responses to members questions.

*179 Review of 20 mph Limits and Zones in Exeter

(Inspector Pryce and PC Carne, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary attended and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/13/41 - text only | pdf HTM/13/41) on a review of the 20mph limits and zones in the city to ensure they were compliant with current Department for Transport standards and enforcement policy by the Police. As part of recent regulations repeater signs and repeater road marking roundels could be implemented without costly traffic calming measures and works identified would be part of a rolling programme from April 2013.

Members were advised that any concerns about alleged excessive speeding in any particular location in the City should be referred to PC Carne (as the single point of contact) or indirectly via local PCSOs/Beat Managers and he would consider any appropriate action following the Speed Compliant Action Review Forum (SCARF) process.

It was MOVED by Councillor Leadbetter, SECONDED by Councillor Westlake and

RESOLVED that the action taken to ensure that 20mph Limits and Zones within Exeter were compliant with current Department for Transport signing standards be supported.

*180 Proposed Highways Works: Permanent Closure of Prince Charles Road, Exeter

(Councillor Martin (Exeter City Council) attended in accordance with Standing Order 25 and spoke to this item)

(Mr M Greenslade attended the meeting under the Council s Public Participation scheme and spoke to this item)

(Inspector Pryce and PC Carne, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary attended and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/13/40 - text only | pdf HTM/13/40) on a proposed traffic regulation order for the prohibition of motor vehicles on Prince Charles Road west of the junction of St Katherine s Road, and other restrictions, as shown in Appendix I of the report. The Head of Service also reported on the receipt of a petition with approximately 24 signatures objecting to the proposals.

It was MOVED by Councillor Spence, SECONDED by Councillor Westlake and

RESOLVED

(a) that the responses to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order and public consultation be noted;

(b) that the summary of the considerations of the working party, following a site meeting with residents, be noted; and

(c) that the Traffic Regulation Order be made and sealed and the scheme be implemented as advertised;

(d) that the proposals in the report to ease congestion at the junction of Beacon Lane and Calthorpe Road be supported and brought back to the next HATOC meeting;

(e) that the creation of a safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians across Beacon Lane to Bettysmeade be supported and proposals be brought to the next meeting for approval (subject to funding);

(f) that an urgent meeting be arranged with the management of Morrisons in view of the evidence of petrol tankers using Beacon Lane to address this dangerous practice and further discussions be held in connection with the review of the roundabout to address problems of safety in entering and leaving the store;

(g) that a review of parking in Beacon Lane be also undertaken.

*181 Local Transport Plan Programme

The Committee noted that the Cabinet had previously approved a three year Local Transport Plan Integrated Block programme in December 2011. This programme was now being revised to reflect changing circumstances such as scheme slippage and the need to match fund key bids for new central government funding. A revised programme for 2013/14 and 2014/15 would be submitted to Cabinet and reported to the next available meeting of this Committee.

It was MOVED by Councillor Westlake, SECONDED by Councillor Leadbetter and

RESOLVED that the update provided to the next meeting of this Committee should include details of the highway maintenance programme for 2013/14.

*182 Proposals for the Development of the Parking Dispensation Scheme

(Councillors Foggin, Owen and Winterbottom each declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being residents within a Residents Parking Scheme and Councillor Prowse by virtue of being the owner of a dwelling within a Scheme)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/13/38 - text only | pdf HTM/13/38) on the development of a revised Parking Dispensation Scheme and options as to the way forward. The local member referred also to the problems for health visitors parking in Verney Street, Exeter which the Head of Service undertook to review in consultation with the local member.

Members questioned the need for a formal dispensation scheme and referred to additional bureaucracy and expense for the Council and for small business contractors and other groups. Members also noted that a robust approach to enforcement for those not displaying suitable information should be sufficient.

The local Member also raised issues with access for doctors, other medical practitioners and care providers to residents properties in Verney Street. It was noted that there were existing exemptions for medical visits but these were confined to limited waiting and residents parking and this exemption did not assist in such a central location. The Head of Service undertook to review exemptions and consider whether extending these would be appropriate.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hannaford, SECONDED by Councillor Westlake and

RESOLVED that the Cabinet be informed that this HATOC supports Option 1 Cease Operation of the Parking Dispensation Scheme subject to development of guidelines for Civil Enforcement Officers to use discretion to allow exemptions, where clearly indicated (in windscreens and with locations and telephone contact details) for certain groups, for example, contractors and landlords.

(Note in accordance with Standing Order 32 (4) Councillor Leadbetter requested that his abstention from the vote on this decision be recorded)

*183 Stoke Hill Junior School Improved Pedestrian Access

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/13/39 - text only | pdf HTM/13/39) on a proposed scheme to improve pedestrian access to Stoke Hill Junior School, Exeter. The scheme would also be subject to the requisite planning permission.

It was MOVED by Councillor Leadbetter, SECONDED by Councillor Owen and

RESOLVED that approval be given for the scheme shown on attached plan no. B2300208/009, at an estimated cost of 68,000, subject to the planning application process.

*184 Chancel Lane Bridge Safety Improvements

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/13/32 - text only | pdf PTE/13/32) on a proposed scheme to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility on Chancel Lane.

It was MOVED by Councillor Spence, SECONDED by Councillor Leadbetter and

RESOLVED that consideration of the scheme shown on drawing number B2300119\CHAN\0007 be deferred pending further discussions by the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment with local members and the local School about the provision of a signalled crossing at this location.

*185 London Inn Square - Post Scheme Monitoring

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/13/33 - text only | pdf PTE/13/33) monitoring the impact of the London Inn Square city centre scheme.

It was MOVED by Councillor Leadbetter, SECONDED by Councillor Westlake and

RESOLVED

(a) that the findings of the monitoring of traffic impacts be noted;

(b) that specific proposals described in section 4 of the report relating to bus movements and stops; taxi shelter, loading arrangements and taxi rank; cycle lanes and traffic movements be investigated further and progressed for delivery in 2013/14 through the Exeter Local Transport Plan programme;

(c) that the Scheme continue to be monitored, including reviews of traffic speeds in Longbrook Street and traffic volumes in York Road with on-going discussion with local members and Stagecoach.

*186 Exwick: Proposed Steiner School

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment reported on proposals for the location of a new school. The preferred site was now understood to be the former Foxhayes site Exwick (from September 2014) but as yet no planning application had been submitted. It was anticipated that this would be a temporary location for up to 180 pupils and that the school would, in due course, look for a larger site to accommodate their planned number of up to 624 pupils. The local member expressed concerns about any proposals for a larger school on this site in view of the traffic management implications and overall capacity.

*187 Topsham Petition

The Committee noted that the Leader, at Cabinet on 13 February, had been presented by the Chairman of this Committee, with a petition organised by the Topsham Community Association containing approximately 2,400 signatures calling on the City and County Councils to address parking issues in Topsham, as a matter of urgency.

It was MOVED by Councillor Leadbetter, SECONDED by Councillor Westlake and

RESOLVED that details of the petition, its implications and possible solutions to parking problems in Topsham, be discussed jointly with appropriate Members and officers from both the County and City Councils, and a report be brought to a future meeting of this Committee.

*188 Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee noted the report of the Head of Highways and Traffic Management (HTM/13/42 - text only | pdf HTM/13/42) on actions taken in respect of Traffic Orders under delegated powers since the last meeting; the Head of Service undertook to consult further with the local member in respect of the proposals relating to Waverley Avenue, Exeter.

*189 Dates of Meetings

23 July, 5 November 2013, 20 January and 22 April 2014 at 2.15 pm at County Hall, Exeter.

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 2.15 pm and finished at 5. 15 pm

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

Date Published: Thu Apr 25 2013

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