Agenda and minutes

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

It was noted that Councillor Mrs Sartin had substituted for Councillor Ms Edwards, Councillor Mrs Smith for Councillor Mrs Jones, and Councillor Spencer for Councillor Mrs Sutcliffe.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Local Highways Panel held on 3 February 2011.

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2011 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Officers to report back on:

(1)        Epping Parking Review;

(2)        High Road, Ongar; and

(3)        Manor Road, Chigwell (report attached; Safety Audit also attached for information).

(a)        Epping Parking Review

The Assistant Director (Technical) Environment and Street Scene, Kim Durrani, informed Members that 120 responses from the consultation concerning the draft orders of the Epping phase of the Parking Review had been received, and County Officers had collated these with comments from previous schemes. These would be reviewed by County Councillor Hume before the order process could begin. Members noted that the review was on time and within budget.

(b)       Proposed Pedestrian Crossing, High Road; Ongar

County Officer Chris Stoneham advised the Panel that the proposal to install a zebra crossing at this site was still being delayed by issues regarding ownership of the land required to widen the footpath. County Officers were liaising with the Town Council to discuss options, including an alternative site suggested by Councillor Jacobs.

(c)        Proposed Pedestrian Crossing, Manor Road, Chigwell

Members were concerned as this site was a popular informal crossing site for schoolchildren. The recent safety audit had deemed traffic speeds too high for a zebra crossing, and physical traffic calming measures could not be placed on such a main road. The Chairman informed the Panel that a meeting had taken place between herself, Councillor Wagland and Councillor Knapman in order to discuss this proposal in detail. Options were currently being investigated by County Officers, but it was noted that this site could not be dealt with by the Local Highways Panel and was being recommended to County for further progress.

Councillor Wagland expressed her continuing concern regarding this site.

            RESOLVED:

            That an update report be given at the next Local Highways Panel meeting.

(d)       Parking Restrictions, Meadow Rd, Loughton

At the meeting of the Local Highways Panel on 3 February 2011 it was noted that the implementation of parking restrictions was dependent on residents being willing to provide the funding. Members noted that discussions between County Councillor V Metcalfe and local residents concerning the parking problems were ongoing.

To receive report from the Highways Liaison Officer.

(a)        Programme of Works 2010/11

Highways Liaison Officer Rosa Tanfield presented a report outlining progress on the current programme of works. Members noted that virtually all of the maintenance schemes had been completed, or were due to be completed by the end of the financial year.

Councillor Wixley queried the status of two bus shelter bases outlined in Jessel Drive and Borders Lane, Loughton. County Officers agreed to email details of this scheme to the Councillor.

Local Councillor Buckley requested the full route study for the A113 be forwarded to him.

Local Councillor Purkiss enquired about a maintenance scheme for B172 Abridge Road, Theydon Bois. County Officers agreed to email him a report concerning this scheme.

            RESOLVED:

(1)        That County Officers would email details regarding bus shelter bases in Jessel Drive and Borders Lane, Loughton to Councillor Wixley;

(2)               That County Officers send Councillor Buckley details the A113 route study; and

(3)               That County Officers email Members a report concerning a scheme for Abridge Road that had been previously agreed.

(b)       Traffic Improvements

Mrs Tanfield informed Members that the list of traffic improvement schemes to be delivered within the District by Capital funding in the new financial year would be distributed to Members once she had received confirmation of the details.

(c)        Localism budget 2011/12

Members noted that early indications suggested that the level of funding available to the Local Highways Panel for next 2011/12 would be similar to that received in 2010/11 (approximately £130,000).

This budget was for traffic schemes, signing and lining, and the Highways Rangers Service. Members praised the Rangers Service but, as a twelve month service would require the entire budget, an 8 month service was preferred. This would leave a sum of approximately £43,000 available to the Panel for additional schemes. It was agreed that the 8 months should be spread across the year, rather than leaving 4 months with no service at all.

            RESOLVED:

(1)        That the Highways Rangers Service be provided for 8 months throughout the year; and

(2)        That the service would run on a flexible basis, working approximately 3 weeks out of 4.

(d)       Traffic Schemes for 2011/12

At the Local Highways Panel meeting on 3 February 2011, it was agreed that Members would submit three traffic scheme sites of high priority to the Highway Liaison Officer by the 28 February 2011 to be considered for funding (minute 82(b) refers). A list had been compiled from these suggestions consisting of 26 potential sites for traffic improvement schemes to be considered for funding.

It was noted that submissions had been received after the deadline set, and the Panel decided that these should not be considered.

Members felt a upper limit on cost should be set on proposals being considered. Any scheme costing over this threshold would be discussed at Panel meetings, with the potential to recommend them to County for Capital Funding. The list of viable schemes would replace the 2010/11 Reserve List.

            RESOLVED:

(1)        That any submissions received after the deadline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To discuss future options for the Panel.

Councillor Bassett informed the Panel about a recent meeting between himself, Councillor Mrs Stavrou and Local Councillor Purkiss to discuss the future format of the Local Highways Panel. It was agreed that there was too much uncertainty regarding the status of County Highways which would need to be addressed before an effective plan could be created for the future of the Panel. It was noted that an agenda of issues and queries had been drawn up in order to address this lack of information, and it was agreed that Councillor Stavrou would formally invite County Councillor Hume to discuss these at a meeting.

The Panel felt that any future Local Highways Panel should include Local Council Members and needed better communication, particularly with County Councillors.

            RESOLVED:

(1)        That Councillor Stavrou arrange a meeting with County Councillor Hume in order to discuss these issues; and

(2)        That the agenda of issues and queries be attached to the minutes of this meeting.

(a)        Crooked Mile

Councillor Bassett advised the Panel about the Crooked Mile, a notorious stretch of road in Waltham Abbey where numerous accidents and fatalities had taken place.

Two fatalities had recently occurred, and as a police investigation was ongoing, County Officers were unable to comment. It was noted that the Essex County Council Road Safety Team were currently working with the police about the accidents along this road, and information would be reported to the Panel as soon as the investigation had been closed.

Thursday 16 June 2011, Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Epping.

Noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday 16 June 2011 at 7.00 p.m. in Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Epping.