Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2020, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2020 be signed as a correct record.

Items which in the opinion of the Chairman should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

(An item taken under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972).

(Mr Grahamslaw, local resident, attended and spoke to this item with the consent of the Committee, regarding local concerns at the impact of traffic speeds and volumes using minor roads, including through villages, as diversion routes).

The Chair had decided that the Committee should consider this item as a matter of urgency, in order to appraise members of traffic management issues and local concerns regarding ongoing planned A379 road closures.

The local County Councillor supported local residents’ road safety and other concerns as highlighted:-

-ongoing road closures of the main arterial A379 had a serious speed and volume impact on the local area, particularly West Charleton to Frogmore, through the village of Sherford and also Chillington;

-narrow minor routes and village centres with no street lighting/pavements; were unsuitable as diversion routes;

- some HGV drivers were reluctant to use alternative A roads due to longer diversions;

-improved and wider communication and signage should be considered;

-that the A379 road closures were protracted.

 Other HATOC Members also recognised these concerns as an issue, suggesting separate diversion routes for eastward and westward  (Kingsbridge/Dartmouth) traffic could alleviate some of the congestion problems.

Officers advised that identifying suitable diversion routes was a difficulty in some locations, particularly in rural areas. 

The Committee noted that a written formal Officer response would be provided to Mr Grahamslaw, which could then be considered with the local County Councillor.

(An item taken under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972).

The Chair had decided that the Committee should consider this item as a matter of urgency at the request of Councillor Hodgson, local County Councillor due to very recent discussions she had had with South Hams District Council on this matter.

The local County Councillor reported on residents’ parking issues within the Totnes town centre area, exacerbated by the current Covid-19 lockdown.  This had resulted in more residents currently working from home, with increased demand for parking places in the general vicinity of their homes.    Also, during the current lockdown period, Totnes town centre car parks were being used far less by shoppers etc, with a number of unused parking spaces (including on market days). 

The local County Councillor had approached South Hams District Council to request they consider allowing local residents to use these car parks free of charge during lockdown only, to help alleviate the additional pandemic pressures placed upon many families at the present time.  A parking dispensation had been granted to them during the first lockdown.  However, she had been advised that this was no longer an available option.

Members of this Committee whilst sympathetic towards the local County Councillor’s viewpoint, considered that car park issues were a District Council responsibility and it was suggested that Members of this Committee who were also District Councillors could make further representations direct.  

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and

Waste (HIW/21/6) and supplementary information, attached.

(Electoral Divisions:  All in South Hams)

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/21/6) and supplementary information, following statutory consultation resulting from reviewing and rationalising existing parking arrangements. 

Appendix I and the supplementary information to the Report summarised the proposals advertised.

Appendix II detailed objections/representations received and the County Council’s response/recommendations, which Local County Councillors were content with.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hawkins and SECONDED by Councillor Croad            and

RESOLVED:

(a) that the work on the local waiting restriction programme be noted; and

(b) that the recommendations contained in Appendix II to Report (HIW/21/6) be approved.

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and

Waste (HIW/21/7), attached.

(Electoral Divisions:  All in South Hams)

The Committee received the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/21/7), setting out action taken under delegated powers on advertised Traffic Regulation Orders since the last meeting.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hodgson and SECONDED by Councillor Croad and

RESOLVED: that Report (HIW/21/7) be noted.

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Meetings to be held at 10.30am.   Please check venue in the current situation:-

2021/22:   

Friday 25 June 2021 

Friday 15 October 2021 

Friday 18 February 2222.   

Members noted the dates of future meetings, in line with the Councils calendar;

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Meetings to be held at 10.30am. Please check venue in the current situation:-

2021/22:

Friday 25 June 2021

Friday 15 October 2021

Friday 18 February 2022.