Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT ADVISORY PANEL held on Wednesday, 19 March 2003, at The Castle, Winchester.
PRESENT:
Hampshire County Council
Councillors: D.G. Allen (Chairman); K.G. Chapman; Jo Kelly; Mrs. A.M. McNair Scott; Dr. J.G.L. Wall.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Councillors: Mrs. S.M. Allen; M. Biermann; Mrs. W.A. Court; G.C. Hood; R. Hussey; A.D. McCormick; Mrs. S.B. Rowland.
12. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
No declarations of interest were made.
13. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 8 November, 2002, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
14. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Chairman's communications reported to the Panel.
15. DEPUTATIONS
No requests to make deputations had been received.
16. CASUALTY REDUCTION CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) outlining the progress of the Casualty Reduction Programme and detailing the main programmes of Traffic Management work in the Basingstoke and Deane area.
Paragraph 1.1 of the report detailed a list of provisional sites for possible treatment in 2003/04, it was reported that the list was to be finalised in due course.
The Panel were made aware that the Traffic Management Programme was in conjunction with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Under the new agency arrangements, it was hoped that regular liaison meetings would take place between officers of the County and Borough Councils to discuss proposed schemes and develop positive partnership arrangements.
Councillor Wall asked a question regarding the appendices of the report. Some of the schemes stated "in progress by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council" and the Panel wanted to know who to contact to check on the progress of the schemes. It was reported that Barry Ford at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was the contact.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
17. ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT REORGANISATION AND BLUEPRINT UPDATE
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) informing Members of the reorganisation of the Environment Department and a Blueprint update.
It was reported that the Management Team was now in place and that a further three appointments of Assistant Director had been made:
(i) Alan Mills - Management
(ii) Stuart Reynolds - Design and Implementation
(iii) Merrick Denton-Thompson - Performance and Innovation
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
18. HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES 2002/03 AND 2003/04
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining the progress with the 2002/03 Highways Maintenance Programme, detailing the 2003/04 Highways Maintenance Budget and Programme.
Councillor Hood raised a query regarding the de-trunking of the A339. Officers understood the problems and improvements needed on the A339 and reported that the Highways Agency were to undertake a programme of resurfacing.
Councillor Biermann stated that it was important to get the correct road names in the reports and requested that the report be a little more detailed.
Councillor McCormick asked a question concerning weed control. He hoped that this was being addressed earlier and that the problems of July 2002 would not be repeated. Officers assured the Panel that work would begin in due course in order for no repeat of July 2002.
The Panel asked for a definition of the word "Haunch" used in the report and its appendices. Officers responded by stating that a "Haunch" scheme was where the edge of the carriageway was breaking away and in need of repair. The repair undertaken is localised to the edge of the carriageway and is the reconstruction of the carriageway for approximately 1m in width.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
19. STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMMES 2002/03 AND 2003/04
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the Street Lighting Maintenance Contract, Column Replacement Programmes 2002/03 and 2003/04, Energy Contract, Community Safety Initiative 2002/03 and 2003/04; and Street Lighting Policy.
The Panel were content with the progress made so far.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
20. UNDER £10,000 MINOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES 2002/03 AND 2003/04
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) outlining the progress made with the 2002/03 and detailing the 2003/04 Capital Minor Works Programme.
The Panel were informed that funding for 2003/04 had not yet been finalised. Councillor Hussey informed the Panel that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council operate a new priority scheme. Both Officers at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council will meet to discuss the prioritisation system.
The Panel agreed that the priority order for schemes for inclusion in the 2003/04 Minor Capital Works Programme be decided on the point scoring system as set out in the report. The top three being:
(i) New Footway Link - Kingsclere.
(ii) New Footway, Foxes Lane, Kingsclere.
(iii) New Footway Link on London Road.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the following schemes, listed in the order of priority, should be put forward for inclusion in the Minor Works Capital Programme for 2003/04.
(i) Kingsclere Footpath 56 - A339 - Along B3051.
(ii) Foxes Lane, Kingsclere, between Eccinswell Road and Pope's Hill.
(iii) London Road, near junction with Old Common Road.
21. HAMPSHIRE HIGHWAYS WEATHER EMERGENCIES
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing the current policy and procedures relating to weather emergencies and the impact of adverse weather on the highway network.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
22. HAMPSHIRE HIGHWAYS ABANDONED VEHICLES
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) outlining the issues associated with dealing with abandoned vehicles, the legislative framework and division of responsibilities between authorities.
It was reported that there had been a steady increase in the costs involved when abandoned vehicles were removed and that the Government only provide a small amount of money towards this. A new legislative framework was due to be implemented in 2007, which would mean the vehicle producer would be required to meet all or a significant part of the cost of collection and treatment of vehicles that have no or negative value.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
23. BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the Minute Book) detailing the Best Value Performance Indicators reported for 2001/02 concerning the highway network in Hampshire. The report outlined the requirements for 2002/03 indicators and provided comments on the analysis and use of the data.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
24. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED:
That the next meeting of the Panel be held on 12 November, 2003 at 10.00 a.m. at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Offices.
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