Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Lynne Stagg (Spokesperson).

There were no pecuniary interests.  However Councillor Wemyss who would be speaking on the item relating to Havant Road/Farlington Avenue pedestrian crossing declared that he was a signatory on the petition.

Purpose

To consider the implementation of a controlled pedestrian crossing facility at the junction of Havant Road/Farlington Avenue following requests from members of the public and the Cabinet member for Traffic and Transportation.

RECOMMENDATION

The Portfolio Holder for Traffic and Transportation approves the expenditure and subsequent implementation of a controlled crossing facility on Havant Road near the junction of Farlington Avenue.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF TRANSPORT & ENVIRONMENT)

Simon Brownlie presented the report setting out the history of this current crossing layout and the requests for improvements to this culminating in the most recent petition.  It was noted that many of the pedestrians were schoolchildren and whilst there was a fairly low accident record it was felt there was a need to make the changes outlined within the recommendation.

Councillor Ellcome, the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation thanked Mr Thornton for his petition and his work on this; he was aware that this was an unusual layout for a crossing which required review. 

A deputation was then made by Mr Thornton, the lead petitioner who wished to support the proposed amendments for the provision of a controlled crossing.  He wished to clarify parts of the officer's report: as whilst the survey had taken place between 8.30 and 9.30 am many of the parents travelled there at 8.20 am, the survey had also taken place on 10 September when only half of the reception children were attending school in the mornings due to the staggered entry so this did not represent a normal school day and he updated the number of signatories on the petition to 710.  He emphasised that there had been several near misses of accidents, the crossing was confusing (especially for children) with speeding motorists and on 25 June a pupil had been knocked down.  This was a major walking route to the schools for which  the council had a duty of care to ensure this a safe walking route.

Councillor Steve Wemyss then made a deputation as a ward councillor and thanked Mr Thornton for his work and tenacity in pursuing the improvements to the crossing over several years, reflecting the strength of feeling in the area for a controlled crossing for this walking route to school to be made safe.  Councillor Darren Sanders then spoke and agreed that this should go ahead to ensure that this was a safe walking route for the local residents.  In response to members' questions it was reported that there was a contingency figure of approximately 10% within the estimated £60,000 for this project.

Councillor Ellcome reiterated that this was an unusual junction causing confusion for pedestrians and he was pleased that after residents' requests for these improvements had been made over several years this could now be moved forward and he thanked officers for their work in providing this solution.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the expenditure and subsequent implementation of a controlled crossing facility on Havant Road near the junction of Farlington Avenue.

Purpose

To consider the responses to the public consultation, the drop-in session and the T&T meeting on the 24th July 2014 on the proposals to implement a Hybrid traffic calming safety scheme within Henderson Road.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.    That the Hybrid scheme, consisting of Raised Tables and Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) within Henderson Road, is considered for implementation;

2.    That the proposed build-outs of the existing kerb lines and central traffic island at both eastern and western ends of Henderson road are implemented as identified in both the original consultation proposals and the Hybrid proposals to reduce traffic speeds;

3.    That a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is made and advertised regarding the proposed installation of traffic calming within Henderson Road.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY HEAD OF TRANSPORT & ENVIRONMENT)

Amber Kerens-Bathmaker presented the report which provided a revised scheme option taking into consideration the results of the public consultation exercise discussed at the 24 July Traffic & Transportation Cabinet meeting.   This option had given consideration to the adjacent roads to develop a scheme which met the objectives of the majority of residents at these locations as well as those living on Henderson Road. The proposed scheme was a mixture of physical measures and improved signage to help combat the residents' concerns of speeding motorists and rat-running in the area.  This would require a Traffic Regulation Order for the scheme to be implemented.

The following deputations were made:

(i)            Councillor Matthew Winnington, ward councillor who discussed this with the local resident and cycle forum member who had been requesting these measures and with fellow ward Councillor Terry Hall. He was impressed with the scheme which looked at what was wanted by residents in Henderson Road and those in nearby roads.  Cllr Winnington was pleased that there had been an added build-out at the end of Henderson Road.  He believed this scheme would reduce speeding and he asked that consideration be given to making the raised tables visible as this had been discussed at the local neighbourhood forum meeting earlier in the week, as well as requesting that cyclists could be adequately provided for at the raised tables, and he was pleased to commend this scheme.

(ii)          Councillor Luke Stubbs, ward councillor agreed that the scheme represented a good compromise solution when there had been so many views given as part of the consultation and he was pleased by the vehicle activated signs and also wished the raised tables to be made visible.

(iii)         Councillor Darren Sanders appeared to support the proposal and also asked that the raised tables were made visible and he was pleased by the Vehicle Activated Signs.

Councillor Ken Ellcome as Cabinet Member thanked officers for their work and for listening to the requests of residents and he would agree that the raised tables needed to be visible and also amended the recommendation to ensure this.

DECISIONS:

(1)          That the Hybrid scheme, consisting of visible raised tables and Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) within Henderson Road, is agreed for implementation;

(2)          That the proposed build-outs of the existing kerb lines and central traffic island at both eastern and western ends of Henderson road are implemented as identified in both the original consultation proposals and the Hybrid proposals to reduce traffic speeds;

(3)          That a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is made and advertised regarding the proposed installation of traffic calming within Henderson Road.

Purpose

For the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation to approve this report and to accept that the proposed Winter Maintenance Operational Plan (WMOP) will provide the required level of service as prescribed in the PFI contract and legislation.

Recommendations

That the updated Winter Maintenance Operational Plan be approved.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY HEAD OF TRANSPORT & ENVIRONMENT)

Jane Tume presented the report which included adjustments made in response to lessons learnt from previous winters.   It represented improved communication with the police, working closely with Fareham Borough Council on gritting the boundaries.  There would be the continued use of two duty officers from Colas and she was pleased to report that the authority and Colas had bought two "Tracmasters"  which will help in the clearance of pavements, especially in hilly areas.  The salting of roads programme now reflected the new Tipner slip roads.

Councillor Sanders queried whether the 'snow dump' area at Milton Common/ Eastern Road opposite the ambulance station could be moved away from the ambulance station area as it could have an impact on the traffic in that area and the ambulances; Jane Tume would look at this.  Councillor Sanders also asked questions regarding the siting and demand for the 80 salt bins.  In response it was reported that these were difficult to maintain and were kept topped up by Colas and whilst these are in areas where problems are most likely but there is flexibility in their siting.  Councillor Ellcome as Cabinet Member stressed that these were for highway use not for private use.  Simon Moon, the Head of Transport & Environment reported that the report set out provisions for a standard winter and if there were extreme weather conditions there may be restrictions and dialogue would be needed with the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation.  He was hoping that there would be press coverage in October on the winter maintenance preparations and what residents are able to do.

Councillor Ellcome as the Cabinet Member congratulated Jane Tume's team for winning the award from the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) for the Best Service Team, Highways, Winter Maintenance and Street Lighting in the UK (also being the only southern authority to be shortlisted).

DECISION:

The updated Winter Maintenance Operational Plan was approved.