Meeting documents
Streetscene and Transport Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Thursday, 7th June 2007
Present
Chair
H Smith
Councillors
D Hawkins, AC Hodson, DT Knowles, Cllr GD Mitchell, S D Moseley, PTC Reisdorf
Index to Minutes
- Minute 1 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/PARTY WHIP
- Minute 2 - MINUTES
- Minute 3 - APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
- Minute 4 - SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME 2007-08
- Minute 5 - FEASIBILTY STUDY – TRAFFIC CALMING SERPENTINE ROAD AREA, LISCARD (LISCARD WARD)
- Minute 6 - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - ROAD SAFETY
- Minute 7 - PROPOSED GATING ORDER – FOOTPATH BETWEEN 32 & 34 BASSENTHWAITE AVENUE, NOCTORUM (CLAUGHTON WARD) SECTION 129 OF THE HIGHWAYS ACT 1980
- Minute 8 - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - WALKING AND CYCLING
- Minute 9 - LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN CONGESTION TARGET DELIVERY PLAN
- Minute 10 - WIRRAL HOSPITALS TRAVEL PLAN – ANNUAL REVIEW
- Minute 11 - TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT – FINANCIAL MONITORING REPORT 2006-2007
- Minute 12 - TECHNICAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME MONITORING REPORT 2006-2007
- Minute 13 - ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE BY MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Minute 1 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/PARTY WHIP
Minute Text :
Members were asked to consider whether they had personal or prejudicial interests in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state what they were.
Members were reminded that they should also declare, pursuant to paragraph 18 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, whether they were subject to a party whip in connection with any item(s) to be considered and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of the whipping arrangement. No declarations were made.
Minute 2 - MINUTES
Minute Text :
The Head of Legal and Member Services submitted the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March, 2007 which were received by the Council.
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That the minutes be received.
Minute 3 - APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
Minute Text :
In accordance with minute 4(9) of Cabinet (16/5/06), the Committee was requested to appoint a Vice-Chair.
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That Councillor D Hawkins be appointed Vice-Chair for the ensuing municipal year.
Minute 4 - SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME 2007-08
Minute Text :
The Head of Legal and Member Services submitted the CfPS document 'Prioritising topics for Scrutiny' and requested members to give consideration to topics to be included in this year's scrutiny programme.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the party spokespersons consider topics for inclusion in the scrutiny programme, having regard to CfPS guidance, and report back to the next meeting of the Committee.
(2) That the officers be requested to prepare an action plan with regard to best value and improved performance in highways maintenance, to be considered in conjunction with economic regeneration.
Minute 5 - FEASIBILTY STUDY – TRAFFIC CALMING SERPENTINE ROAD AREA, LISCARD (LISCARD WARD)
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services reported upon a proposal to undertake a feasibility study into traffic calming Serpentine Road as part of an area-based scheme including Martins Lane and side roads. The report identified that accident figures had reduced since Serpentine Road was identified as a local safety scheme in 2004/2005, and it also identified that an area-based scheme should be considered rather than treating Serpentine Road in isolation.
Representatives of petitioners both in favour of the scheme and opposed to it addressed the Committee, and the Chair advised members of the receipt of an e-mail from a petitioner who was not able to attend the meeting. A ward Councillor addressed the Committee, and in response to comments as to the views of the emergency services, the Director indicated that they had endorsed the proposals. In response to further comments regarding the increased costs of the scheme, the Director indicated that although substantially higher than the original estimate, it could be contained within this year's LTP capital allocation. However, there were pressures on the capital programme and if the scheme did not proceed this year there was a possibility that other schemes could take its place. If there were no objection, the scheme would be able to proceed after the completion of the consultation exercise.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the report be noted.
(2) That the area based solution, as shown on Plan No. BEng/3170/1, be statutorily advertised with a view to implementation in 2007/2008, and that the report be referred to Cabinet for approval.
Minute 6 - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - ROAD SAFETY
Minute Text :
Further to Cabinet's approval of the Local Transport Capital Programme on 28 March 2007 (minute 310 refers), the Director of Technical Services submitted a report which set out project details related to proposed schemes within the areas of road safety, school travel, structural road maintenance, walking and cycling. The report was included in the Forward Plan dated 1 June 2007.
The Director reported that in accordance with Government guidance, the new LTP was constructed to relate to four 'shared priorities' - Road Safety, Congestion, Accessibility and Air Quality/Environment. Consequently, the LTP programme for 2007/2008 had been revised to match those priorities and more effectively reflect LTP objectives and policy areas. He presented details of Local Safety Schemes which amounted to £550,000 and included schemes from the 2006/2007 LSS Programme that had not been completed and which required funding, together with new schemes for inclusion within the 2007/2008 programme. Community Safety Projects amounted to £155,000, and proposed Safer Routes to School Schemes totalled £125,000.
Petitioners addressed the Committee in relation to speed reduction schemes at Curzon Road, Prenton, New Ferry Road, New Ferry and Church Road, Bebington. The Director indicated that New Ferry Road was at present on the reserve list of schemes, and that with regard to matters raised by the petitioners he confirmed that they would be investigated and a formal response would be made. The Chair indicated to petitioners that schemes not selected for inclusion in this years programme would remain on file and continue to be monitored by officers.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the Committee endorse and refer to Cabinet for approval the programmes of:
• Local Safety Schemes, as outlined in Section 3.4
• Community Safety Projects, as outlined in Section 3.5
• Safer Routes To Schools Schemes, as outlined in Section 3.8.
(2) That suggestions received following the June 2007 cycle of Area Forums be considered and, where appropriate, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative to the recommendations made within this report in consultation with the party spokespersons.
(3) That it be a recommendation to Cabinet that in the event it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list in consultation with the party spokespersons.
(4) That the petitioners’ concerns be noted and that they be advised of this year’s identified priorities.
Minute 7 - PROPOSED GATING ORDER – FOOTPATH BETWEEN 32 & 34 BASSENTHWAITE AVENUE, NOCTORUM (CLAUGHTON WARD) SECTION 129 OF THE HIGHWAYS ACT 1980
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services submitted a report which sought the committee's endorsement to the commencement of legal procedures to restrict access at all times over a section of footpath at Bassenthwaite Avenue, Noctorum, by making a Gating Order under s129 of the Highways Act 1980, in order to combat anti-social behaviour that had been reported by the Police and residents. In response to comments from members, the Director indicated that the Gating Order would be the first made by the Council, and the initial legal and administrative costs together with the costs of erecting the gates would be met from existing resources. However, the costs of any subsequent Gating Orders would have to be met in full by the applicants.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the Committee endorses the commencement of legal procedures for the making of a Gating Order under s129 of the Highways Act 1980 to restrict access at all times in respect of the footpath linking Bassenthwaite Avenue to Public Right of Way Footpath Number 4.
(2) That any objections to the Gating Order be reported back to this Committee for consideration.
Minute 8 - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - WALKING AND CYCLING
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services submitted a report setting out project details in relation to proposed schemes to deliver the Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategies. The report was included in the Forward Plan dated 1 June 2007. He set out the involvement of Area Forums in drawing up programmes within the Walking Strategy, and he reported that it amounted to £217,000 and comprised works in relation to -
- Pedestrian Signals £140,000
- Walking/Pedestrian Dropped Crossing £26,000
- Pedestrian Central Refuges £26,000
- Signing for Pedestrians £10,000
- Public Rights of Way £15,000
The Wirral Cycling Action Plan was approved in July 2004 and he presented a summary of progress achieved in 2006/2007. He proposed a number of projects that would form the basis of the 2007/2008 programme, which required £140,000 of the £200,000 budget. The balance was required to fund the continued development of the cycle network and to finalise the construction of the previously approved Birkenhead Network Route.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the Committee endorses and refers to the Cabinet for approval the following programmes:-
• Walking Strategy as outlined in Section 4;
• Cycling Strategy as outlined in Section 5.
(2) That suggestions received following the June 2007 cycle of Area Forums be considered and, where appropriate, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative to the recommendations made within this report in consultation with the party spokespersons.
(3) That it be a recommendation to Cabinet that in the event it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list in consultation with the party spokespersons.
(4) That the petitioners’ concerns are noted and that they are advised of this year’s identified priorities.
Minute 9 - LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN CONGESTION TARGET DELIVERY PLAN
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services outlined the background to the government's policy to set a national congestion target, which was informed by data from key locations across the country, including Merseyside. He submitted a report setting out the Merseyside Congestion Target Delivery Plan which included the Merseyside congestion target recently submitted to the Government, along with data for each of the corresponding corridors across the sub-region that were to be monitored over the next few years.
The primary purpose of the Congestion Target Delivery Plan was to present and establish the method by which the Merseyside authorities proposed to deliver the defined journey time target for 11 selected routes that had been chosen to be representative of congested conditions in Merseyside, following guidance provided by the DfT. One route was within Wirral and covered the section of the A552 (Woodchurch Road, Singleton Avenue and Borough Road) from the railway bridge east of the M53 Junction 3 to the roundabout at Birkenhead Central Station. The Director set out issues and interventions for Wirral's congestion corridor, and members expressed their concern with regard to the potential introduction of a congestion charge.
On a Motion by Councillor Mitchell and seconded by Councillor Reisdorf, it was -
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That this Committee believes that the proposals contained within the Congestion Target Delivery Plan are not sufficiently developed and justified to recommend to the Cabinet for approval at this time.
(2) That a further report be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.
Minute 10 - WIRRAL HOSPITALS TRAVEL PLAN – ANNUAL REVIEW
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services submitted a report summarising the aims of the Annual Review of the Wirral Hospitals Travel Plan which was recently completed by consultants, Mott MacDonald MIS, together with the main actions for the coming year. Members expressed concern with regard to Blue Badge holders having to pay to park at Arrowe Park Hospital, and to the location of bus stops, which result in people walking across the car park to the hospital main entrance. Members also noted a decrease in the use of the park and ride service, and sought assurance that the service would not be discontinued.
In response, Mr E Mellor of Mott MacDonald MIS commented that the Travel Plan was a working document and any issues identified by members would be taken back to the NHS Trust for consideration at the next review. The Trust recognised the value of the park and ride service, and had previously considered the location of bus stops at Arrowe Park. He commented also that the hospital had a parking fee re-imbursement programme, as part of its Accessibility Strategy, for people who had to attend Arrowe Park Hospital for treatment and could ill afford to pay parking fees.
On a Motion by Councillor Reisdorf and seconded by Councillor Hodson, it was -
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That this Committee notes the submission of the Annual Review of Wirral Hospitals Travel Plan and, subject to the NHS Trust ensuring that Blue Badge holders attending for treatment at Arrowe Park Hospital are made aware of the parking re-imbursement programme, refers the report to the Cabinet for endorsement.
Minute 11 - TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT – FINANCIAL MONITORING REPORT 2006-2007
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services submitted a report comprising an update on the financial position of his department at the end of April 2007. The revised budget for 2006/2007 was £32,067,000 and the Director reported upon progress in relation to policy options and service re-engineering savings. For 2007/2008, the agreed budget was £32,802,700 and at this stage of the year it was projected to be the anticipated spend.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the report be noted.
(2) That a further report be submitted to the next appropriate meeting.
Minute 12 - TECHNICAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME MONITORING REPORT 2006-2007
Minute Text :
The Director of Technical Services submitted a report comprising a regular update on his department's Capital Programme. It was formulated and planned on a three year basis within the Council's Capital Strategy. The latest forecast expenditure was £13,192,600 and the Director outlined reasons for the variation of £160,500- from the original forecast.
Minute Decision :
Resolved -
(1) That the report be noted.
(2) That a further update be provided to the next appropriate meeting.
Minute 13 - ATTENDANCE AT COMMITTEE BY MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Minute Text :
The Chair referred to a view expressed by the Scrutiny Chairs Committee that members of the Youth Parliament should be invited to attend meetings of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and proposed that an invitation should be accorded for attendance at the next meeting of the Committee.
Minute Decision :
Resolved - That, in accordance with views expressed by the Scrutiny Chairs Review Committee, representatives of the Youth Parliament be invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee.
(Minutes Published: 12 June 2007)