Agenda item

To consider the recommendations of the Amesbury Community Area Transport Group’s (CATG) for the prioritisation of schemes for funding from the Amesbury Area Highway’s Budget in 2011/12, and the release of £18,000 to fund the prioritised schemes.

The Chairman referred to the report at pages 1-12 of the agenda packs, and handed over to Councillor Mike Hewitt, Chairman of the Community Area Transport Group. 

Councillor Hewitt proposed that the Board consider the four schemes in turn, starting with the Packway. 

(a)  The Packway, Larkhill

It was noted that funding for this had already been approved.

Steve Wilson explained the proposals which would enhance the existing crossing at the Packway, Larkhill, by use of zebrite LED surrounds to the belisha beacons, and anti-skid road surfacing on the approach.  In response to a question regarding the maintenance of anti-skid and high-visibility road surfacing, Steve explained that there was currently an annual maintenance budget for high-friction surfacing.  In future years the maintenance of the proposed anti-skid surfacing at Larkhill would need to be considered and prioritised alongside other similar sites elsewhere in the county.

The Area Board supported this project to proceed as proposed.

ACTION: Tom Gardner

(b)  Church Street, Amesbury

Steve explained that this scheme aimed to address the narrow footway, by trialling a road-narrowing and priority traffic system.  This would also act as traffic calming to help address any speeding issues.  It was proposed to run the trial in advance of the school holidays, at a cost of £1082.64.  If successful, a permanent scheme could potentially be designed and implemented during the 2011/12 financial year, with the remaining funds in the Area Board’s CATG budget.

Councillor John Noeken commented that he had volunteered to take part in the monitoring of this trial to ensure that it did not result in the build up of traffic back to Salisbury Street. It was noted that there was CCTV in the vicinity which may also be able to monitor the impact on traffic.

ACTION: Tom Gardner

Councillors welcomed this trial scheme, commenting that the route was often used as a short cut from Solstice Park to Stonehenge.  In response to a query regarding the possible conflict with heavy vehicles using the route, Steve noted that the proposed trial was based on present traffic conditions. 

Decision

1.        The Amesbury Area Board approved the release of £1082.64 for the trial road narrowing scheme at Church Street, Amesbury.

2.        If the scheme is successful, officers are requested to design and produce costings for a full scheme, and present this to a future meeting of the Area Board for consideration.

Reason – As set out in the report, and in line with the recommendations of the Community Area Transport Group.

ACTION: Tom Gardner

(c)  C42, West Amesbury

Steve reported that the proposals sought to review the current speed limits and bring forward changes if appropriate along the C42 between the junction with Stonehenge Road, to the end of the line of houses on the C42.  This was in response to safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists along the road, which had been raised by local residents.

This change would require advertising any Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) as well as on-site signage installation. In response to a question, Steve confirmed that the TRO advertising was a legal requirement.  Councillor John Noeken advised that the Cabinet was looking into the costs of advertising TROs as a corporate issue.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board approved the release of up to £10,000 for the assessment and implementation of a lower speed limit on the C42 in West Amesbury.

Reason – As set out in the report, and in line with the recommendations of the Community Area Transport Group.

ACTION: Tom Gardner

(d)  Winterslow Road, Porton

Steve reported that this scheme had been discussed at the previous three CATG meetings, with a view to enhancing and improving pedestrian crossing facilities in Porton.  The design at page 5 of the agenda had been produced and approved by the CATG, and had been recommended to proceed in conjunction with planned resurfacing works in early August.

However, since the publication of the agenda, Idmiston Parish Council had advised that they did not support the scheme and had requested an opportunity to meet with officers and give their input into a revised scheme.

An email was read out which provided an update on events since the report had been published, and amending the officer’s recommendation as follows:

1. Consideration of the scheme be deferred.
2. Officers arrange another site visit with the Parish Council to discuss the Parish Council’s proposals.
3. Officers produce design and costings for a revised scheme, to be submitted to the 21 July Area Board meeting for approval.
4. That it be noted that this delay would result in the scheme, if approved, being implemented after the planned resurfacing works in August.

Andy Tidd (Chairman of Idmiston Parch Council) acknowledged that there may have been a breakdown in communications between the CATG and the Parish Council.  He also reported on the on-site meeting with Tom Gardner (Senior Traffic Engineer).  The Parish Council now proposed that the existing crossing be retained and that an additional crossing be installed opposite the doctor’s surgery.  In addition, it was requested that the pavement be widened to address the issue of a mature tree blocking use of the footway by wheelchair users and pushchairs.  Andy also emphasised that the Parish Council supported the principle of improving pedestrian safety in Porton, and may be able to provide some financial  contribution, if required.

Andy also confirmed that the Parish Council acknowledged the fact that this delay would result in the project (if approved) being implemented after the resurfacing, although it was hoped that the pavement widening may be able to be incorporated into the re-surfacing works.

Decision

The Amesbury Area Board agreed to defer consideration of the scheme, to allow officers to design and produce costings for a revised scheme, following consultation with Idmiston Parish Council, and (if possible) the Community Area Transport Group.  The revised scheme to be submitted for consideration at the 21 July Area Board meeting.

Reason – To allow for a scheme to be produced in consultation with the Parish Council.

ACTION: Tom Gardner

(e)  Speed Indicator Devices

Councillor Hewitt also reported that the Council had recently purchased a number of mobile Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), and that a procedure was being developed to prioritise their use.  Steve added that each Area Board would be allocated one SID, and that CATGs would be asked to consider and make recommendations to Area Boards on the prioritisation of sites.