Agenda and minutes

To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

It was noted that Councillor K Chana had substituted for Councillor Mrs S Jones.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Local Highways Panel held on 21 September 2010.

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2010 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note the terms of reference (Attached).

The terms of reference were noted.

ECC to report back on:

(i)         Parking restrictions in Meadow Road, Loughton (report attached).

(ii)        Pedestrian phased traffic lights not being included in A1168 Chigwell Lane/Langston Road/Oakwood Hill junction improvements (verbal report to be given).

(iii)       Progress of pedestrian crossing and Developer Section 106 funding for the High Road, Ongar (report attached).

(iv)       Option B agreement regarding the provision of Highway Ranger service (within report attached).

(1) Parking Restrictions in Meadow Road, Loughton

At the meeting on 23 March 2010, the Panel had been informed of a petition submitted by residents of Meadow Road, Loughton. It had been signed by over 80% of the residents, who had requested a parking permit scheme.

The Highways Liaison Officer reported that the County Council did not fund the introduction of residents parking zones or similar. Funding was provided by the District council but due to the ongoing parking reviews, additional proposals were not being considered at present. Members considered the possibility of pursuing the request as a pilot scheme.

The Chairman advised the Panel of her upcoming report to Council, which would inform members of the outcome of ongoing discussions with the local Sainsburys in relation to this issue.

            RESOLVED:

That officers report back on estimated costs of a Controlled Parking Zone scheme at the next meeting.

(2) A1168 Chigwell Lane/Langston Road/Oakwood Hill Junction

Members were advised that a feasibility study had been carried out in October 2006 to evaluate the impact of providing pedestrian facilities at this junction.

Two options had been investigated:

Option 1: considered the provision of controlled pedestrian facilities across Oakwood Hill, Langston Road and Chigwell Lane south bound approaches to the junction. This would have replicated the uncontrolled crossing facilities that were already provided on site.

Option 2: considered the provision of controlled pedestrian facilities across Oakwood Hill and Langston Road approaches plus crossing facilities across Chigwell Lane utilising the existing central island between Oakwood Hill and Langston Road approaches.

Using LINSIG computer modelling software and existing traffic and pedestrian counts, it was observed that the traffic queues on Oakwood Hill increased from 16 to 49 with Option 1, and 52 with Option 2. Chigwell south bound existing queues of 41 increased to 135 with Option 1, and 164 with Option 2.

Additionally, the recorded number of pedestrians crossing had not been deemed particularly high, with only 301 pedestrians recorded in a 12 hour period.

Councillor Leonard requested that a full copy of the report be sent to him.

RESOLVED:

That, in light of the results, a decision had been taken not to pursue the provision of pedestrian facilities.

(3) Pedestrian Crossing and Development Section 106 Funding for High Road, Ongar

The County Council officers advised the Panel that there was £35,000 of funding available through a Section 106 agreement with the developer Higgins Homes Ltd. Officers had been investigating the possibility of implementing a zebra crossing in the vicinity of Love Lane and High Street Ongar, but the width of the footway was insufficient to accommodate a crossing.

Officers had also investigated the option of purchasing the section of verge in order to widen the footpath to the required 2.0m, but the costs involvedin processing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) and other associated costs would exceed the available budget.Other options had been considered, but were not feasible owing to the presence of vehicle crossovers, bus stops and visibility splays.

Ongar  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

Principal Officer Asset Management to give a verbal report on Winter Maintenance.

Catherine Gaywood, Principal Officer Asset Management, reported on the changes to Winter maintenance.

The key improvement made was the communication of arrangements to the public. The website (www.essex.gov.uk/winter) had been redesigned for clarity, and now stated policy on what the Council would and would not do, as well clear route maps for gritting. The scheme also endeavoured to work closely with District Councils to facilitate a joint communicative process.

New salt had been issued which was coated in molasses. This aids adhesion to the road surface, and reduce spread rate by approximately 20%. The gritting network had also identified trigger points to cope with rationed salt and high demand.

Last Winter, Essex County Council had observed theft of salt, vandalism and misuse of salt bins. As a result all requests for new bins this year had been refused, though it was noted that bins were not being removed. However, replenishment of salt in bins would be dependant on resources available.

In addition 46 Parishes across the County had been included in a new pilot scheme aimed at ensuring salt was used appropriately. Tonne bags of salt were being delivered to Parishes next week, with small Parishes receiving one bag and larger Parishes receiving two. These bags would not necessarily have to be stored at Parish offices, providing they were secure and accessible in alternative places. 7g of salt would be sufficient to clear 1m². Training would be provided about gritting arrangements, occurring in the week beginning 6 December 2010, and the County Council website would clearly display the Government guidance on usage.

Members raised concerns over the lack on consultation regarding this pilot scheme, which was noted by officers.

Ms. Gaywood extended thanks to Epping Forest District Council for their help with emergency gritting last year.

            RESOLVED:

That the letter sent to Parish Councils and the list of Parish Councils taking part in the pilot be attached to the minutes of this meeting.

To receive a report from the Highways Liaison Officer.

The Highways Liaison Officer provided members with a report outlining the programme of works for 2010/11, the Highway Ranger Gang Works Overview, and a ‘Reserve List’ for 200/11.

The Panel was informed that the total cost of schemes under the Locally Determined Revenue Budget had come to £48,700. This was £3,700 over the original estimate, which would be managed by reducing the Highways Rangers Service by 2 weeks.

RESOLVED:

That Panel members contact Mrs. R. Tanfield about any road or footpath issues they wish to highlight, to be included in the list which would be prioritised at the next meeting on 3 February 2011.

The Assistant Director (Technical) Environment and Street Scene to report on the Parking Reviews.

The Assistance Director (Technical) Environment and Street Scene informed the Panel that, at their meeting on 25 October 2010, the Cabinet had agreed that the Parking Reviews would be progressed through a phased approach. The Epping review would be completed first, followed by Buckhurst Hill, and finally the Loughton Broadway review. The Cabinet had also authorised the use of the ring fenced On Street Parking account to meet additional costs of the reviews.

Essex County Council officers informed the Panel that the draft order for the Epping review was being published imminently, and that copies had been sent to ward members. They also confirmed that allowances to the consultation process were being made for the Christmas period.

It was noted that there was no other business for consideration by the Panel.

Tuesday 25 January 2011, Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Epping.

Noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday 3 February 2011 at 7.00

p.m. in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Epping.