Agenda and minutes

(N.B. In accordance with the County Council’s Constitution, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman must be County Councillors)

RESOLVED that Councillor Radford be elected Chairman and Councillor Way be elected Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.

Minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2016, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2016 be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/17), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/17) on the impact of the Crediton Link Road on traffic flow and air quality.

The Report noted that since the opening of the link road in October 2014 a significant reduction in concentrations of both Nitrogen Dioxide and Particular Matter had resulted.  Monitoring data from 2010 to 2015 showed traffic flows on the road were close to predictions of approximately 5,000 vehicles a day, with a significant proportion of HGVs and other traffic that previously used Exeter Road to access Lords Meadow Industrial Estate now using the link road. 

The Head of Service reported that over a five year period there had been a 9% increase in traffic flow on Higher Road between Barnstaple Cross and Crediton, and a 19% increase in traffic flow on Jockey Hill. The increase in the number of vehicles using Higher Road was low and more detailed information could be provided for both locations.

Members felt that the report did not adequately deal with traffic flow data at Barnstaple Cross or at the Jockey Hill roundabout in particular where road safety issues continued to be a concern due to increased traffic flow and narrowness of the road and pavement. 

It was MOVED by Councillor Colthorpe, SECONDED by Councillor Way and

RESOLVED

(a) that the impact of the Crediton Link Road on traffic flows and air quality be noted;

(b) that traffic flow and air quality continue to be monitored;

(c) that more detailed information on traffic flow mitigation at Barnstaple Cross and at the Jockey Hill roundabout be brought to the next meeting.

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Enviroment (PTE/16/18), attached.

The Committee received the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/18) on the representations received during the proposed Prohibition of Vehicle Traffic Regulation Order consultation for the junction realignment of Washfield Lane (Farleigh Meadows), Tiverton

Members expressed concerns at the width of the proposed road and questioned the maintenance responsibility of the area of land to the west of the proposed junction shown on drawing 16002/001.

It was MOVED by Councillor Nick Way, SECONDED by Councillor Colthorpe and

RESOLVED

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

(b) that approval be given to make and seal the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised;

(c) that further information be brought to the next meeting identifying future maintenance responsibility for the area of land to the west of the proposed junction shown on drawing 16002/001.

[An item to be taken under s18 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 relating to any reviews of parking policy sought in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme

(https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/guide/constitutionparts2-4/part-4-section-7-petition-scheme/).

There was no current petition for a parking review from a member of the public relating to Mid Devon.

To note the following reference from Cabinet for information.  Report HCW/16/39 can be found at http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=160&Ver=4

“(a)that the Highway Safety Policy set out in Appendix A to Report HCW/16/39 be approved and the Head of Highways, Capital Development & Waste be authorised, in consultation with the County Solicitor and the Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, to approve further minor amendments to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy prior to the next full review in September 2018;

(b) that Highways & Traffic Order Committees be made aware of the revised operational policy.”

The following reference from Cabinet was noted, for information. 

“(a) that the Highway Safety Policy set out in Appendix A to Report HCW/16/39be approved and the Head of Highways, Capital Development & Waste be authorised, in consultation with the County Solicitor and the Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, to approve further minor amendments to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy prior to the next full review in September 2018;

(b) that Highways & Traffic Order Committees be made aware of the revised operational policy.”