Issue - meetings

To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68.  Notice must be given in writing or by email to the Partnership Committee Officer at least 14 days before the meeting.  Alternatively, the petition can be submitted on-line through Surrey County Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.

A petition has been received from Mr Malcolm Carter of the Beacon Hill Focus Group which contains 152 signatures and reads:

“We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to Change the speed limit to 30mph on the A287 through Beacon Hill.

We represent the residents of Beacon Hill village.  We petition SCC to change the speed limit through the village to 30mph from the current 40mph.  This is a village that has bus stops which the aged, disadvantaged and children use as well as access to essential services including the village school.  This is the only village between Farnham and Haslemere where traffic is allowed to drive at 40mph through a built up area.  We believe that as more people are cycling or walking that this is required urgently.”

Petition response report attached.

The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE that:

It would be at the discretion of the Western Villages Divisional Member Cllr David Harmer and this committee to prioritise and fund a scheme as part of the 2020/21 highway works programme.

Declarations of Interest: None.

Officer in attendance: Frank Apicella, Area Highway Manager (South West).

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: One petition.

A petition was received from Mr Malcolm Carter of the Beacon Hill Focus Group which contained 152 signatures and read:

“We the undersigned petition Surrey County Council to Change the speed limit to 30mph on the A287 through Beacon Hill.

We represent the residents of Beacon Hill village.  We petition SCC to change the speed limit through the village to 30mph from the current 40mph.  This is a village that has bus stops which the aged, disadvantaged and children use as well as access to essential services including the village school.  This is the only village between Farnham and Haslemere where traffic is allowed to drive at 40mph through a built up area.  We believe that as more people are cycling or walking that this is required urgently.”

The petitioner spoke for the allotted three minutes and circulated some photographs to the Committee to illustrate his points, which included:

·         “40 mph areas are seldom checked by the police for speeding vehicles.

·         This has become a popular cyclist route.

·         There is now a greater concern for the environment.  Slower speed can only support this.

·         This whole stretch of road is bordered by areas of outstanding natural beauty, so please help residents to do their part as a community.”

The petition response report was presented by the Senior Highway Engineer, on behalf of the Area Highway Manager.

Member discussion – key points:

The local divisional Member, Mr David Harmer, said that the 2020/21 highway money had already been allocated to Western Villages.  The Senior Highway Engineer believed that a speed survey had now taken place on the A287 at Beacon Hill and he would forward the results to Mr Harmer.

The Chairman proposed that the petition subject be added to the Local Committee Decision Tracker, to monitor any progress.  Members agreed.

The Local Committee (Waverley) resolved to AGREE that:

It would be at the discretion of the Western Villages Divisional Member Cllr David Harmer and this committee to prioritise and fund a scheme as part of the 2020/21 highway works programme.