AT A MEETING of NEW FOREST HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT ADVISORY PANEL held at the District Council Offices, Lyndhurst on Tuesday 30 September 2003.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: J. Waddington (in the Chair); F.J. Bright; J.E. Coles; B.D. Dash; Mrs E.M.F. Randall; A.W. Rice, TD.

New Forest District Council

Councillors: K.F. Ault; M.H.G. Fidler; F.R. Harrison; P.E. Hickman; M. Pemberton; M.J. Shand

26. 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 debate declare their interest, and having regards 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.

27. ELECTION OF A CHAIRMAN

In the absence of Councillor Mrs P.G. Banks, Chairman of the New Forest Highway Management Advisory Panel, and pursuant with Standing Order 34 (c) of the County Council's constitution, Members of the Panel appointed Councillor J. Waddington as Chairman for the meeting.

28. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 11 March 2003 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Hampshire Highways Weather Emergencies

Officers informed Members of a review being undertaken by the County Council of its Winter Maintenance policy as a result of legislation which was proceeding through Parliament requiring authorities to take all reasonable action to the minimise risk caused by ice on the highway.

29. CHAIRMANS COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman notified Members that the County Council had appointed Councillor Glen as the Executive Member for Spatial Strategy and then gave a brief overview of his remit.

30. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

31. DEVELOPMENT CONTROL SERVICE REVIEW AND UPDATE ON DISTRICT AGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the current position of district agency arrangements and the Highways Development Control Review.

The service review of highways development control activity had been completed and negotiations were taking place in order to implement several service changes. A target date for implementation had been set for 1 April 2004.

Officers answered Members' detailed questions concerning the responsibility for the maintenance of the Highway, paying particular attention to the maintenance of verges.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

32. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) detailing the main programmes of Traffic Management work in the New Forest area in 2003/04.

Officers answered Members' detailed questions on individual traffic management and parish partnership schemes, as set out in the appendices to the report, as well as noting their recommendations for further programmes.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

33. HIGHWAY MAINTAINACE AND MINOR CAPITAL WORKS PRORAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) outlining progress with regard to the 2003/04 Highway Maintenance and Minor Capital Works programmes, as well as giving an update on the 2003/04 Highway Maintenance budget.

Officers updated Members' on the status of the revenue and capital programme budgets before answering questions. Members were asked to raise specific concerns about those schemes that were identified as possibly needing to slip into the first quarter of 2004/05.

Councillor Rice, seconded by Councillor Ault, proposed a motion to prioritise, where applicable, the use of grass mounds as opposed to `dragons teeth'. The motion was lost.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

34. UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF APPROVED TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME SCHEMES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) updating Members on transport schemes within the Capital Programme that had been approved by project appraisal for implementation in the New Forest area.

It was reported that:

(i) Jacobs Gutter Lane - completed on time (subject to the removal of the diversion signs).

(ii) Fordingbridge High Street - start of works would be delayed to early 2004 due to other works in Church Street and the time required by BT to complete advanced works.

(iii) A337, Brockenhurst - completed on time.

(iv) Gore Road, New Milton - works would commence in October. Members were concerned that, whilst the scheme would to some extent alleviate problems, it might not be the best possible solution for Gore Road. Officers advised that other options had been considered and after a public consultation, it was concluded that the preferred option was the proposed scheme. However there would be a safety audit on completion of the scheme.

(v) Colbury Right Turn - works were expected to commence in March 2004. This was generally welcomed by Members although there was some concern that it might result in an increased flow of traffic through Ashurst and Lyndhurst.

(vi) Hythe Pier Maintenance - it was reported that the pier was undergoing an extensive survey. Some areas were found to be unsafe and these had been fenced off by the pier owner.

Members also discussed the condition of the privately owned bridge on the A35 near Holmsley. It was suggested that the bridge would be better managed if ownership was transferred to the County Council. Officers requested copies of correspondence with Rail Property Ltd and agreed that they would investigate the matter and keep Members informed of the outcome.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

35. OTHER PROGRAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) outlining progress with regard to other programmes and initiatives within the Environment Department.

Officers answered Members questions concerning the programmes and initiatives referred to in the report, paying particular attention to the use of repeat signing for speed limits and the frequency of signs used in relation to the Hampshire Safety Camera Partnership.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

36. STREET LIGHTING

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing progress made in Street Light Maintenance, Column Replacement, the Community Safety Initiative and the purchase of energy from 2004 onwards.

Three of the five key performance indicators for Street Lighting Maintenance were being met. Efforts were being made to improve on the levels for the remaining two performance indicators, however it was also noted that 99% of street lights were operational at any one time. The Column Replacement programme was on target and steps were being taken to procure a new supply of energy supply, with an emphasis on green energy.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

37. CONTROL OF RAGWORT

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) outlining the problems associated with common Ragwort and detailing what is being done to control the weed within the confines of the public highway in Hampshire.

It was reported that due to legislation going through Parliament it was likely that the County Council, as the Highway Authority, would have to take all reasonable steps to control the spread of Ragwort from its land. Therefore the County's policy towards Ragwort was being reviewed in line with the proposed Bill.

Members requested that they be updated on the progress of the review at the next meeting of the panel.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

38. THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICULAR CROSSINGS FOR PRIVATE ACCESSES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the Minute Book) detailing the changes to the procedure for dealing with the construction of vehicular accesses, enabling works to be carried out by either Hampshire Highways or an approved private constructor.

Following a review of the provision of vehicular crossings a new procedure is proposed which would allow either the Highways Authority or a privately appointed contractor to undertake the work.

Members raised concerns over the potential for the new system to allow controversial proposals to go ahead without the local Councillor being informed. Officers undertook to give consideration to concerns raised but highlighted the difficulty of keeping members informed of all vehicular crossing applications due to the volume received. Officers would report back to Members at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

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