The Head of Environment and Regulation introduced his report that set out proposed changes to the existing Scheme of Delegation in respect of unresolved objections to traffic management measures, including traffic regulation orders. The report recommended that delegated powers to decide on such objections be devolved to the Head of Service (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder) in cases where unresolved objections were below a set threshold. Members were informed that the views of both the Regeneration & Environment Policy & Performance and Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee were being sought in advance of seeking approval for the change to the Constitution at Council in December.

The Head of Environment and Regulation informed of the procedures as operated under the current Scheme of Delegation, whereby detailed reports regarding objections are put to the Highways & Traffic Representation Panel, which considers the officer’s report and invites representations from objectors. He further informed of the actions undertaken following consideration by the Panel.

The Head of Environment and Regulation explained that the proposed amendment to the procedures recommended that the Scheme of Delegation in relation to unresolved objections to traffic management measures be altered such that it operates in a similar manner to the Scheme of Delegation for objections to planning applications.

Members were informed that following consideration by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee 23 November, 2015 (Minute No 10 refers) noting that a number of recommendations had been proposed, namely to alert Ward Councillors on local highways matters under the new procedures. Members were also informed that the words ‘traffic management’ were to be removed from para 3.3. of the proposal to allow a broader, more practical, approach to supporting objections. A further amendment to para 3.2 included the removal of the words ‘from individual households’.

In support of the Amendments put forward by the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee, Members requested that new procedures must incorporate provision of notice about highway schemes to Ward Councillors ‘in good time’, to include a deadline for views / submissions from Members, and that the notices or ‘Ward Reports’ be supplied in a larger print font than currently. Members stated that these incorporations and alterations would provide an opportunity for Councillors to discuss proposals with residents.

Visiting Councillor, Stuart Whittingham, Cabinet Member Transport, Technology Strategy and Infrastructure assured Members that such notifications were currently circulated to Councillors via e-mail.

Resolved: That

(1)  the proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution as outlined be endorsed; and

(2)  the COUNCIL BE RECOMMENDED to approve the changes to the Council Constitution in respect of Part 3, Schedule 5, Scheme of Delegation - Objections to Highway Proposals.