37.

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.

38.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Basingstoke and Deane Highway Management Advisory Panel held on 12 November 2003, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Item 33 - Street Lighting

Members were pleased to note that the broken street lights mentioned at the last meeting had now been repaired.

39.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICTIONS

The Chairman advised Members that the Local Strategic Partnership had been invited to nominate up to three of its members to sit on the Panel, and Mr. R. Hall of Stagecoach had already been selected to do so.

40.

REVISED ROLES OF PANELS

The Panel considered a joint report of the Chief Executive and the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) setting out the revised terms of reference and scope for the new Highway and Transport Advisory Panels.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

41.

PROGRESS UPDATE ON APPROVED CAPITAL SCHEMES

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 6(a) in the Minute Book) updating the Panel on progress on transport schemes within the 2003/04 and 2004/05 Capital Programmes that had been approved for implementation in the Basingstoke and Deane area.

The following were among the matters raised in discussion:-

· The A340 Aldermaston Road Roundabout scheme was considered a major item which might require a special meeting of the Panel before the scheme was finalised.

· Concerns were expressed over the New Street contra flow bus lane proposal and Members asked for more time to consult on the issue.

· Members were generally disappointed on the progress made on the Brighton Hill Roundabout scheme and felt that circumstances were restricting their options. The Chairman undertook to report their concerns to the Executive Member, although the practical constraints to alleviating the congestion levels to the degree required had to be recognised.

RESOLVED:

That Members note the progress made on schemes in the Transport Capital Programme and support the schemes approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme for 2004/05.

42.

MINUTES OF THE BASINGSTOKE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY FOR TRANSPORT MEMEBERS PANEL

The Panel noted the minutes of the former Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport Members Panel meeting (Item 6(b) in the Minute Book), held on 8 October 2003.

43.

ALLOCATION OF THE HIGHWAY STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE BUDGET AND ASSESSMENT OF HIGHWAY CONDITION

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) outlining the process for allocating the highway structural maintenance budget and summarising the indicators used for assessing the condition of the network.

The Panel discussed the ongoing assessment of the condition of the roads network. It was generally agreed that the rate of deterioration had decreased, the general condition was now improving; the position would continue to be monitored.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

44.

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES 2003/04 AND 2004/05

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) outlining the 2003/04 Highway Maintenance Programme and the Highway Maintenance Programme and Budget for the following year.

The following were among the matters raised in discussion:-

· The impact of the road works proposed in Tadley over the summer.

· Members expressed the hope that weed control operations start earlier this year.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

45.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES 2003/04 AND 2004/05

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) detailing the main programmes of traffic management work in the Basingstoke area for the period 2003/04 to 2004/05.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

46.

CAPITAL MINOR WORKS PROGRAMMES 2003/04 AND 2004/05

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) setting out progress with the 2003/04 and 2004/05 Capital Minor Works Programme.

The Panel supported the scheme priorities listed in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

47.

CASUALTY REDUCTION PROGRAMME AND SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) detailing progress on the Casualty Reduction Programme, Hampshire Safety Camera Partnership and Safer Routes to School.

The following were among the matters raised in discussion:-

· The Panel welcomed the safety improvements that had been made at the A30 junction at Dummer.

· The Panel was pleased to note that the introduction of safety cameras at various locations had resulted in a reduction in casualties. Members were gratified at the level of public support for the initiative.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

48.

STREET LIGHTING

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the Minute Book) describing the current position of Street Lighting Maintenance, Column Replacement, Community Safety Initiative and the purchase of energy from April 2004 onwards.

The Panel discussed specific column replacement issues in the area and the responsibilities of the Borough and County Council for column maintenance.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

49.

OTHER HIGHWAY RELATED PROGRAMMES

The Panel considered a report of the Direct of Environment (Item 13 in the Minute Book) detailing programmes for Regeneration of Older Urban Areas, Intelligent Transport Systems and Bridgeworks in the Basingstoke and Deane area.

Members raised concerns with officers over missing parapets at various sites in the area.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

50.

DATE, TIME AND VENUE FOR MEETINGS OF THE PANEL IN 2004

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting of the Panel be held on:

Wednesday 10 November 2004, 10.00 am, Committee Room 1, Deanes Building, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Offices.