AT A MEETING of the TEST VALLEY HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORT ADVISORY PANEL held at Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Andover on 14 March 2006.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: M.J. Woodhall (Chairman); M.G Cooper; A.G. Dowden; R. Hughes; and R.J. Perry.

Test Valley Borough Council

Councillors: R.J. Bailey; J. Hall; M.D. Hatley; and P. Lashbrook.

13. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D.A. Kirk and Councillor Mrs P.A. West who were unable to attend due to a clash with another County Council meeting.

14. 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.

Councillor Cooper declared a personal prejudicial interest by virtue of his wife being a partner in the Nightingale Surgery, Romsey. This practice could be affected by the A3090 Winchester Road/Cupernham Lane, Romsey - Traffic Signals scheme in the 2005/06 capital scheme (Minute 18) in terms of disposal of land adjacent to the junction. Councillor Cooper left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed.

15. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 8 March 2005 were confirmed as a correct record, subject to minor typographical amendments, and signed by the Chairman.

16. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman announced that, due to a restructuring of the democratic processes of Hampshire County Council, this would be the last meeting of the Panel. Alternative arrangements would be made for Councillors to fulfil their local role and discuss local transport issues with District Councillors. A copy of an announcement was circulated, as attached as appendix 1 to these minutes.

17. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

18. UPDATE ON SCHEMES IN THE CAPITAL PROGRAMME

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) providing an update on transport schemes within the 2005/06 Capital Programme, including those schemes carried over from the 2004/05 Programme, and with details of schemes for the 2006/07 Capital Programme. The Director of Environment informed the Panel of all the latest developments with each scheme.

With regard to the junction at A3090 Winchester Road/Cupernham Lane, Romsey, Members were informed that an examination was underway into the possibility of installing traffic lights. A review of the road layout in the area would be completed and the matter would also be considered by Romsey Movement and Access Review.

RESOLVED:

That the schemes approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme for 2006/07 be supported.

19. HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE AND MINOR CAPITAL WORKS

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on the 2005/06 highway maintenance programme; details of the 2006/07 highway maintenance budget; details of the 2006/07 highway maintenance programme; progress on the 2005/06 minor capital works programme; and proposals for the 2006/07 minor capital works programme. The Director of Environment acknowledged Members' concerns regarding the quality of some temporary infill repairs and assured the Panel that efforts had been made to ensure the improved quality of temporary repairs.

RESOLVED:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management, that the 2006/07 capital minor works programme be approved.

20. TRAFFIC MANGEMENT PROGRAMME

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) covering the main programme of traffic management work in the Test Valley Borough area in 2005/06. The Panel was informed of all the latest progress with various schemes. Progress had been slowed on some schemes due to staffing issues.

21. CASUALTY REDUCTION PROGRAMME

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on the Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safety Camera Partnership casualty reduction programmes for 2005/06, together with the proposed shape of the second Local Transport Plan (LTP) and supported programmes commencing in 2006/07. A copy of the Safety Camera Partnership's `Annual Review 2004/2005' leaflet (item 8x in the minute book) was circulated.

The Panel was informed that the application of surface dressing in high risk areas to improve skid resistance had impacted significantly on accident statistics. The numbers of people killed and seriously injured in road accidents during 2005 had not yet been received from the police. Targets had been agreed with the Department for Transport to maintain the low level of killed and seriously injured at a similar level to that of 2004. It was felt that the reduction in these figures was attributable to a combination of factors including improved safety of vehicles, accident reduction schemes and the education of drivers.

Members were advised that the Police had agreed to partake in a joint speed watch scheme. Four parishes were taking part in the pilot scheme, providing them with equipment to monitor the speed of vehicles. They would not have powers to fine drivers, but would report their findings to the police who could then send a letter to the driver informing them that they have been observed speeding.

22. TRAVEL PLAN PROGRAMMES

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minutes Book) providing a progress update on the workplace and school travel planning programmes for the Test Valley area as well as the Safer Routes to School programme. Members were informed of all the latest developments with various schools' travel plans. Members were asked to encourage the schools in their local areas to form a travel plan. The progress made with the delivery of these schemes was noted.

23. OTHER HIGHWAY RELATED PROGRAMMES

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) covering a range of activities undertaken by specialist teams within the Environment Department. Members were advised that, if a PFI project was undertaken, the responsibilities for such a long term contract would be considered carefully discussed and confirmed before initiation. The importance of considering the whole network of pedestrian movement in an urban area was emphasised. The Panel was advised that when bridge works were carried out they were done so in sympathy with the traditional structure and environment.

24. PASSENGER TRANSPORT REPORT

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the minute book) detailing the position on concessionary fares, local bus service support, bus infrastructure improvements and rail issues. Members were pleased to note that Test Valley was providing one of the most generous schemes for concessionary fares in the county. The Panel was disappointed that the bad behaviour of some of children on a school bus in Andover had led to the withdrawal of the service by the operator.

There were serious concerns expressed regarding the proposals of operators to reduce rail services to Romsey, Dunbridge and Dean and the proposals of Network Rail to reduce the service between Romsey and Totton via Chandler's Ford. It was felt that services should be frequent enough to accommodate all types of rail users including workers, shoppers and visitors.

25. POSSIBLE TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY WEED-KILLING TO THE DISTRICT COUNCIL AGENTS

The Panel considered and noted the report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the minute book) informing Members of the views of district officers in regarding the possibility of operating an agency service for weed killing and asking Members to consider performance standards. Contracts were under review so it was considered an opportune time to look at the delivery of the service.

The Director of Environment advised that weed killing could be performed in conjunction with grass cutting which was carried out by District Councils under an agency agreement. This proposal affected only those areas with footways or other hard surfaces, and did not impact on the pulling of noxious weeds. Members were invited to discuss the matter further with officers.