AT A MEETING of the TEST VALLEY HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT ADVISORY PANEL held at Test Valley Borough Council Offices, Andover, on 12 October 2004.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council:

Councillors: M. J. Woodhall (Chairman); A.G. Dowden; P.A. Pierce; Mrs P.A. West.

Test Valley Borough Council:

Councillors: R.J. Bailey; M.D. Hatley; Mrs S. Leach; J.T. Hall.

60. 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.

61. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Minute 55 - Traffic Management Programmes 2003/04 And 2004/05

Abbots Ann Parish Council had been contacted in connection with further anticipated alterations to the trial junction layout.

Minute 57 - Progress Update On Schemes In The Capital Programme

It was noted that a report was being drafted, for consideration by the Executive Member for Environment, regarding the financing of the Flexford Road pedestrian/cycle bridge scheme which did not appear in the list of approved schemes for 2004/05.

62. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman informed the Panel of the success of the inaugural meeting of the Test Valley Area Committee.

63. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

64. UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND VARIOUS AGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 5 in the Minute Book) providing an update on progress regarding the changing arrangements with respect to development control services; traffic management agencies; grass and shrub maintenance agreements; and design and implementation agreements.

Officers confirmed that as a result of the agency agreements Test Valley Borough Council would undertake the majority of traffic management schemes and would also continue to be responsible for grass and shrub maintenance on highways in urban areas.

Discussion focused on Section 38 and 106 agreements, and in particular developers who delayed bringing sections of road up to a standard where they could be adopted as highway. Although the County Council had few powers of enforcement they did strongly encourage developers to complete the agreements within an acceptable timescale.

REVOLVED

That the report be noted.

65. PROGRESS UPDATE ON SCHEMES IN THE CAPITAL PROGRAMME

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining progress with schemes in the Transport Capital Programme.

Members welcomed the news that the North Baddesley to Rownhams cycleway had been brought forward into the 2004/05 programme, and it was hoped that this would further encourage a modal shift away from cars. Officers reported that following implementation all cycleways continued to be monitored; in general they had proved successful and were well used, particularly where they were part of a larger network.

Support was given to the Romsey Town Centre Enhancement scheme. There was a general consensus that, subject to funding becoming available, the scheme should, at some point in the future, be extended into the Market Place.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

66. HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE AND MINOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME 2004/05

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 7 in the Minute Book) outlining progress with regard to the 2004/05 Highway Maintenance and Minor Capital Works programmes and giving an update on the 2004/05 Highway Maintenance budget. The Traffic Management Act 2004 and Asset Management were also discussed.

The Panel were advised that the total revenue budget for 2004/05 had been 63 percent committed.

As a result of the of the Traffic Management Act the County Council would be required to appoint a Traffic Manager, although the exact nature of this post had not yet been confirmed. The Act would also require a database to be created and maintained detailing works to be carried out, both by statutory undertakers and by the County Council, on the highway.

Members welcomed improvements made to the overall condition of the highway, particularly in rural areas. However it was stressed that the increased level of investment needed to be maintained in order for these improvements to be consolidated.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

67. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES 2004/05

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 8 in the Minute Book) covering the main programmes of traffic management work in the Test Valley area in 2004/05.

Concerns were raised regarding the alteration of speed limits; it was felt that drivers, specifically those who were familiar with the road, were often unaware that changes had occurred. This was a particular issue where street lit stretches of road reverted to a 30 miles per hour limit, as in such cases repeater signs could not be used. Officers reported that in some instances temporary `change in speed limit' signs could be used. Officers also agreed to investigate the potential need for a traffic regulation order on Pilgrims Way, Valley Park.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

68. CASUALTY REDUCTION PROGRAMMES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 9 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on the Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safety Camera Partnership casualty reduction programmes.

Following a brief overview of the report copies of the Reducing Road Casualties leaflet published by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safety Camera Partnership were distributed. In addition details of accident statistics within the county were also distributed (item 9x in the Minute Book).

In response to Members questions it was reported that the County Council ran several educational programmes focusing on road safety, linked with School Travel Plans and the Safer Routes to Schools programme.

The Panel expressed support for the County Council's policy on speed cameras and its use of speed actuated signs.

RESOLVED:


That the report be noted.

69. TRAVEL PLAN PROGRAMMES (INCLUDING SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 10 in the Minute Book) providing a progress update on the Workplace and School Travel Plan programmes, as well as the Safer Routes to School programme, for the Test Valley area.

It was hoped that with increased resources available, and with continued support from Members, more schools could be encouraged to develop a School Travel Plan.

Officers were requested to contact Andover hospital to offer advice with regard to the development of a workplace travel plan.

RESOLVED:


That the progress made with the delivery of the Workplace Travel Plans, School Travel Plans and Safer Routes to Schools programme in the Test Valley area be noted.

70. STREET LIGHTING REPORT - TEST VALLEY

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 11 in the Minute Book) regarding the various elements of the street lighting service which affected the Test Valley area.

Officers were requested to investigate the extension to a previous column replacement partnership in North Baddesley.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

71. OTHER HIGHWAY RELATED PROGRAMMES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 12 in the Minute Book) covering a wide range of activities undertaken by specialist teams within the Environment Department.

Discussion focused on the enforcement of height restrictions at Greatbridge Bridge, Romsey. Following several accidents involving HCVs, the County Council were investigating the possible installation of additional signing on the approaches to the bridge. Negotiations regarding the potential joint funding of height activated signs were taking place with Network Rail (the owner of the bridge), however it was agreed that the problem predominantly stemmed from driver error rather than the lack of warning.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

72. PASSENGER TRANSPORT REPORT

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 13 in the Minute Book) outlining the services provided by the Passenger Transport Group and detailing the work undertaken in the Test Valley area.

Councillor Hatley declared an interest in this item as the Chairman of the Romsey Dial A Ride Voluntary Transport Scheme.

Officers confirmed that, following the savings made by in-house minibus operation of home to school transport at certain special schools, similar schemes were being developed for appropriate mainstream schools.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.