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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Daw Room, Committee Suite - County Hall

Contact: Wendy Simpson  Email: wendy.simpson@devon.gov.uk

Items
Note No. Item

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104.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 21 April and the special meeting held on 20 June (previously circulated).

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meetings held on 21 April 2023 and 20 June 2023 be signed as correct records.

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105.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention

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

Minutes:

There were no items requiring urgent attention.

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106.

Petitions/Parking Policy Reviews

[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.]

 

 

Minutes:

The Chair was presented by Ms S Clow with a petition organised by the residents of Toronto House, Prince Charles Road, Exeter EX4 7EW, containing 12 signatures regarding the extension of the parking restriction at the exit junction of Toronto House.

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107.

Local Waiting Restriction Programme pdf icon PDF 241 KB

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/54)

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

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

 

(b)     that the recommendations contained in Appendix 2 to the Report be approved subject to the following changes:

 

          (i)      Radnor Place, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor;

 

          (ii)     Southport Avenue, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor;

 

          (iii)    Cross View, Exeter:  site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor; and

 

          (iv)    Chapel Road, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/54) on submissions in response to the statutory consultation on the restrictions proposed in the Exeter area, as part of the local waiting restriction programme. 

 

In October 2022, a list of requests for new or amended waiting restrictions for the area had been collated and the relevant local County Councillors and Chair/Vice Chair consulted before advertisement from 18 May until 9 June 2023.

 

A summary of the proposals advertised were outlined in Appendix 1 (with associated plans) and a summary of submissions and officer comments and recommendations were detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report.

 

Members commented on the proposals in their respective divisions.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Barnes, SECONDED by Councillor Asvachin and

 

RESOLVED

 

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

 

(b)     that the recommendations contained in Appendix 2 to the Report be approved subject to the following changes:

 

          (i)      Radnor Place, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor;

 

          (ii)     Southport Avenue, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor;

 

          (iii)    Cross View, Exeter:  site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor; and

 

          (iv)    Chapel Road, Exeter: site visit to be undertaken with the local County Councillor and authority be delegated to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Chair and local County Councillor.

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108.

Exwick Road Area - Changes to Parking and Speed Limits pdf icon PDF 663 KB

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/55)

 

Electoral Divisions:  Exwick and St Thomas, Duryard and Pennsylvania & St David’s and Haven Banks

 

Please note that in view of additional evidence coming to light following the publication of the agenda, there will be a revised recommendation at the meeting to defer this item to a future HATOC.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

At the request of the Local Member and Officers, the Committee agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.

 

 

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109.

Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/56)

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

          (a)   that, following consultation, the proposed changes to the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) be endorsed, prior to formal adoption of the LCWIP at Cabinet in due course;

 

          (b)   that the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Chair of HATOC and the local Members, to make minor alterations to the Plan; and

 

          (c)   that consideration be given to the strategic route along Holloway Street and Topsham Road being included in the LCWIP, in consultation with the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, the Chair of HATOC and local Member.

 

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report and presentation given (attached) of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/56) on the Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). 

 

LCWIPs were strategic documents identifying cycling and walking improvement priorities at a local level.  The Exeter LCWIP aimed to:

 

-       Support the Council’s response to the climate emergency.

-       Promote increased active travel to support physical and mental health and wellbeing.

-       Encourage inclusivity and accessibility across the Exeter active travel network.

-       Deliver economic benefits in Exeter.

 

The LCWIP fulfilled these aims by setting out active travel proposals that took account of evidence and data on existing and future demand, ensuring proposals met the latest design standards and prioritised infrastructure schemes in readiness for funding bids. The LCWIP would be an important document in leveraging Government funding by evidencing that investment was targeted where it could have the greatest impact.

 

Questions and discussion points with Members included:

 

-       LCWIP routes along some arterial roads had been omitted due to overcoming difficulties on some routes, such as pinchpoints, making it impossible to achieve a consistent high quality standard, and the focus instead had been on parallel routes, but this did not rule out improvements to arterial routes, made on a case by case basis.

-       The Local Member wished to have Topsham Road included in the LCWIP.

-       Although there were a lot of 20 mph speed limit schemes across Exeter, Members were able to put in requests for further areas to be considered, dependent on funding.

-       Disappointment in not receiving funding for Mallison Bridge, however it was hoped it would be considered in future funding rounds, as it was part of the LCWIP walking zones.

-       Issues around shared use routes was raised. All new future routes would be designed according to latest government standards, however, this may not be possible or practical everywhere, therefore there were no plans to remove shared paths, and in certain circumstances sections of shared use routes may need to be considered.

-       Information on how routes were prioritised was available in the LCWIP Strategy document and on the Have Your Say website: devon.cc/exeterlcwip

-       As to St Andrew’s Road – the Boniface Trail was in the early feasibility stages; and the Environment Agency and Network Rail were both key stakeholders and involved in discussions.

-       The Chair and Vice-Chair requested an item at the next meeting to look at the background decisions made relating to the 20 mph speed limit zones across Exeter, with a view to their expansion.

-       The E9 cycling route, Topsham/Newcourt to City Centre via Wonford and St Leonards, was a strategic route which was being monitored regularly, together with traffic volume in the area.

-       Members wished to highlight the importance of cutting back vegetation and clearing of cycle routes as part of the annual maintenance programme; and Members were advised to report any issues online.

-       Information on  school travel plans and the bikeability courses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

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110.

Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum

Chair to give an update

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Decision:

 

RESOLVED that the Chair revert to Mr Knight with a request that Stagecoach resume their attendance at future Exeter HATOC meetings.

 

Minutes:

Vice-Chair in the Chair

 

Councillor Whitton, was the delegated representative on the BUS Forum and would report more fully at the next meeting and Members were reminded to email her with any questions they wish raised at the next BUS Forum.

 

Officers confirmed that the BUS Forum met quarterly and consisted of bus users, stakeholders, bus companies and the Enhanced Partnership Board; each HATOC had been invited to have a representative attend that Forum; and that Mr Knight, the Managing Director of Stagecoach, was happy to receive direct correspondence from any Councillors. It was noted that Mr Knight was in attendance at the last Forum.

 

Although the Committee had previously been notified that Mr Knight would no longer be attending the Exeter HATOC, they remained extremely disappointed at the non-attendance of Stagecoach and requested that they resume their attendance at future Exeter HATOC meetings so the Committee could engage with them on route concerns.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Pearce, SECONDED by Councillor Atkinson and

 

RESOLVED that the Chair revert to Mr Knight with a request that Stagecoach resume their attendance at future Exeter HATOC meetings.

 

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111.

Exeter Bus Service Improvement Plan BSIP update pdf icon PDF 3 MB

Verbal update by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Minutes:

The Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport gave a verbal update and presentation (attached) on the Exeter Bus Service Improvement Plan (Capital Schemes).

 

Questions and discussion points arising from the presentation included:

 

-       As to the New North Road/Paris Street crossroads, a road safety report had been undertaken to look at any potential risks and any highlighted design changes would be considered.

-       The decision had been made to make the bus lane/gate 3 metres wide at the New North Road junction making it impossible for buses to overtake and ensuring the safety of other road users.

-       There was a lot of technical background modelling taking place relating to junctions and future scenario modelling, which would improve bus flow and other traffic flow through the city routes.  Officers offered to provide further details in a separate briefing if Members wished.

-       Although the New North Road consultation had now started and was taking place during the school holidays, it had been widely publicised and promoted through the local school.

 

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112.

Update on Bus Shelters pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Verbal update by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Decision:

RESOLVED that Councillors Atkinson and Parkhouse be included in the working party.

 

Minutes:

The Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport gave a verbal update and presentation (attached) on the Clear Channel bus shelters in Exeter.

 

Questions and discussions arising from the presentation included:

 

-       Work had started on identifying three sites for new shelters and Members may wish to be involved in this.

-       Concern at ethical advertising had been raised with Exeter City Council and it was confirmed there was constant dialogue on this.

-       Members requested and Officers confirmed that any amendments to the contract with Clear Channel would come back to this Committee for consideration before being finalised.

-       It was clarified that this was a joint working partnership with both Devon County Council and Exeter City Council.

 

RESOLVED that Councillors Atkinson and Parkhouse be included in the working party.

 

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113.

Clear Streets Charter

Verbal update by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Minutes:

The Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport gave a verbal update on the Clear Streets Charter as follows:-

 

-       The Charter remained at the forefront of thinking when undertaking inspections, maintenance and enhancement schemes.

-       The passing of responsibility for the issuing of street café/on street furniture licences to the local authority (Exeter City Council) was still going through Parliament.  It continued to cause issues with enforcement administration and duplication, and a month by month approach was being taken to minimise burden on businesses.

-       Progress was being made, with InExeter on the proposal to store trade bins on the carriageway rather than on the footways at Musgrave Row, Exeter.

-       Enquiries relating to A-boards in Magdalen Road appeared resolved following completion of the enhancement works; and issues in the City Centre appear to have reduced, but the situation was being monitored.

 

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114.

Newtown Community Transformation Project

Verbal update by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Minutes:

The Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport gave a verbal update on the Newtown Community Transformation Project as follows:-

 

-       Devon County Council and Exeter City Council were working collaboratively on this project, which sought to link Belmont Park with Heavitree Road and the community of Newtown as a whole.

-       An initial consultation survey was undertaken in April 2021 which highlighted that walking and cycling were key priorities and these had been taken forward in the design stage.

-       Confirmation that funding was in place for the scheme.

-       The second stage of the consultation would take place in August/ September this year.

-       A full report detailing the results of the consultation and the proposed way forward would be brought back to the Committee for approval in October.

 

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115.

Pedestrian crossings on Cheeke St and Paris St

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor S Aves has asked that the Committee consider this matter.

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2), Councillor Aves had asked that the

Committee consider this item.

 

Councillor Aves requested that a full report be brought to the next meeting regarding the safety and location of the pedestrian crossings on Cheeke Street and Paris Street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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116.

Wonford Road Bus Gate and Victoria Park Road

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor C Whitton has asked that the Committee consider this matter.

Minutes:

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2), Councillor Whitton had asked that the

Committee consider this item.

 

At Wonford Road and Victoria Park Road, Councillor Whitton requested a future report relating to the ongoing issue with bus gate compliance at Wonford Road and of data as a result of the increased through traffic on Victoria Park Road.

 

Officers responded as follows:

 

-       They were aware of ongoing complaints relating to contravention on Wonford Road and following a survey over 5 days, 100 vehicle contraventions had been identified.

-       The Police had encouraged the public to submit footage of any contraventions to Operation Snap.

-       Officers would continue to work with the Police and communicate to drivers via social media to educate and change behaviour.

-       In the longer term, this was a location to be considered for moving traffic enforcement if the Council was granted powers.

-       As to Victoria Park Road, some monitoring had been carried out showing traffic volume was below 2000 a day and therefore according to Department for Transport guidance, most potential cyclists should be comfortable cycling along that road and it would be difficult to justify any other interventions in this area at this time.

-       Highlighted that in Wonford Road prior to the filter, there had been 5649 vehicles a day but this had now reduced to 1862.

 

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117.

Cutting of hedges on cycle paths

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor T Adams has asked that the Committee consider this matter.

Minutes:

This item had been considered in a previous item – see Minute *109.

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118.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers pdf icon PDF 58 KB

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/57)

 

Electoral Divisions:  All in Exeter

 

Minutes:

The Committee noted the Report of the Director of Climate change, Environment and Transport (CET/23/57) on actions taken under delegated powers since the last meeting.

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119.

Date of Next meetings

Minutes:

30 October 2023, 11 January 2024 and 17 April 2024.

 

Confirmation of dates of all meetings available on the Council’s website:  https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=168&Year=0

 


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