Agenda, decisions and minutes

Runnymede Joint Committee - Wednesday, 19 September 2018 7.00 pm

Venue: The Hythe Centre, Thorpe Road, Staines, TW18 3HD

Contact: Gregory Yeoman  Partnership Committee Officer

Items
No. Item

Election of Chairman

In the absence of Mrs Angell, the committee elected Cllr Prescot as chairman for this meeting.

Open Forum questions pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Questions and responses from the informal open forum session are attached as an Annex to the minutes.

 

17/18

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

     

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Mrs Mary Angell, Miss Marisa Heath, Mrs Yvonna Lay and Cllr Peter Waddell.

18/18

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 89 KB

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    To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting on 18 July 2018 as a correct record.

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2018 were approved as a correct record.

19/18

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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    All Members present are required to declare, at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter

    (i) Any disclosable pecuniary interests and / or

    (ii) Other interests arising under the Code of Conduct in respect of any item(s) of business being considered at this meeting.

    NOTES:

    · Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.

    · As well as an interest of the Member, this includes any interest, of which the Member is aware, that relates to the Member’s spouse or civil partner (or any person with whom the Member is living as a spouse or civil partner).

    · Members with a significant personal interest may participate in the discussion and vote on that matter unless that interest could be reasonably regarded as prejudicial.

     

    Minutes:

    Mr Mark Nuti declared an interest in Item 10 section 3.2 as he lives on Grove Road.

20/18

DECISION TRACKER (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 72 KB

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    To review any outstanding decisions from the Joint Committee.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Gregory Yeoman, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None.

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    The decision tracker was reviewed by the committee and the updates were noted.

21/18

PETITIONS AND PETITION RESPONSES

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    To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 14.1. Notice must be given in writing or by email to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer at least 14 days before the meeting. Alternatively, the petition can be submitted on-line through Surrey County Council’s or Runnymede Borough Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures has been reached 14 days before the meeting.

    Minutes:

    No petitions were submitted.

22/18

WRITTEN MEMBER QUESTIONS

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    To receive any written questions from members under Standing Order 13. The deadline for members’ questions is 12 noon four working days before the meeting.

    Minutes:

    No questions were submitted.

     

23/18

WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS

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    To answer any questions from residents or businesses within Runnymede borough area in accordance with Standing Order 14.2. Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Partnership Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting.

    Minutes:

    No questions were submitted.

     

24/18

HIGHWAYS UPDATE (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) pdf icon PDF 417 KB

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    To receive an update from the Area Highway Manager (North West).

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Jason Gosden, Senior Traffic Engineer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None.

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    The Senior Traffic Engineer drew members’ attention to progress with delivery of the footway and carriageway resurfacing shown in tables 4 and 5 in the report. He also explained that following the opening of the U-turn lane at the redesigned Runnymede roundabout on August 24th the scheme was now fully operational. There remain a small number of items on the snagging list, and further surveys will be carried out in due course to assess the impact of the scheme. Overall, feedback from users of the roundabout had been positive, a sentiment echoed by members.

     

    Some comments were made about the signage. The arrows and signs actually on the road surface were thought to be good, but clearer high-level signs could make it easier for drivers to navigate the lanes. Jason Gosden will speak to the Major Projects Team and update the committee.

     

    Mr Gosden reminded divisional members of their £7500 allocation, which can be used for anything that provides a benefit to the community on the highway or any area of land in local authority ownership. A considerable amount of the allocations remains unused, and the deadline for submitting a proposal for using the allocation is 31st October. Cllr Furey stated that Mr Gosden could take his £7500 and use it appropriately.

     

    Resolved

    The Joint Committee (Runnymede) noted:

     

    (i)    the progress with schemes and revenue funded works for the 2018/19 financial year.

    (ii)  the budgetary position.

    (iii)that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee.

25/18

THORPE LEA RD/VICARAGE RD/NEW WICKHAM LANE, EGHAM - SPEED LIMIT ASSESSMENT (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION) pdf icon PDF 420 KB

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    To consider the results of a speed limit assessment undertaken for the sections of Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane that are currently subject to national speed limit (60mph).

     

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Runnymede Joint Committee agreed that:

     

    (i)    a notice is advertised in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effects of which would be to revoke any existing traffic orders necessary, and introduce the proposed reductions in speed limit in Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane shown in Annex 2; and

    (ii)  any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order should be considered and resolved by the Area Team Manager for Highways in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee and the local Divisional Member, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable; and

    (iii)the Order be made once any objections have been considered and resolved.

     

    Reasons for recommendations

    The recommendations have been made based upon the results of a speed limit assessment carried out in accordance with Surrey County Council’s speed limit policy, and in consultation with Surrey Police.

     

    The proposed reductions in speed limit will help provide more appropriate and consistent speed limits on roads in the local area.

     

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Jason Gosden, Senior Highway Engineer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    Mr Gosden explained that the current speed limit of 60mph on the stretch of road in question, which includes two roundabouts, does not follow the usual pattern. After receiving concerns from residents and speed limit assessment had been carried out, the conclusion from which was that it would be possible to achieve a reduction in vehicle speed without the need to introduce any engineering measures. Members supported the recommendation to reduce the speed limit, although some felt that compliance may be an issue and there may be a case for installing an electronic speed indicator, particularly on the section of the B388 just to the south of the double roundabouts. Mr Gosden was confident that the surveys that had been carried out showed that levels of compliance ought to be good, and further surveys would be organised once the new speed limit was in place. He said he would be happy to discuss the suggestion with the divisional member.

     

     

    Resolved

    The Runnymede Joint Committee agreed that:

     

    (i)    a notice is advertised in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effects of which would be to revoke any existing traffic orders necessary, and introduce the proposed reductions in speed limit in Thorpe Lea Road, Vicarage Road and New Wickham Lane shown in Annex 2; and

    (ii)  any objections to the Traffic Regulation Order should be considered and resolved by the Area Team Manager for Highways in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee and the local Divisional Member, and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable; and

    (iii)the Order be made once any objections have been considered and resolved.

     

    Reasons for recommendations

    The recommendations have been made based upon the results of a speed limit assessment carried out in accordance with Surrey County Council’s speed limit policy, and in consultation with Surrey Police.

     

    The proposed reductions in speed limit will help provide more appropriate and consistent speed limits on roads in the local area.

     

26/18

RUNNYMEDE PARKING REVIEW (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION) pdf icon PDF 138 KB

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    The recommendations in this report follow a comprehensive review of requests for new restrictions and will be presented by members of the Surrey County Council Parking Strategy and Implementation team.

     

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Runnymede Joint Committee agreed that:

     

    (i)    the proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Runnymede as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annexes A-F are approved, with the exception of the Staple Hill and Longcross Road recommendation in section 3.5 of the report, approval for which is to be deferred pending further discussion at Cabinet.

    (ii)  the joint committee allocates funding as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments.

    (iii)the intention of the county council to make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Runnymede as shown on the drawings in annexes A-F is advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

    (iv)if there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/ vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor.

     

    Reasons for recommendations

    It is recommended that the waiting restrictions are implemented as detailed in Annexes A-F. They will make a positive impact towards:

     

    ·         Road safety

    ·         Access for emergency vehicles

    ·         Access for refuse vehicles

    ·         Easing traffic congestion

    ·         Better regulated parking

    ·         Better enforcement

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Peter Wells, Engineer, Parking Strategy & Implementation Team, Surrey County Council

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    Mr Wells presented his report, which listed the changes to parking restrictions throughout the borough.

     

    The question of enforcement was raised, with a request for the police and parking teams to take a particularly close interest in those areas with new restrictions for a period of time to give a clear message of the intent to enforce the new arrangements. It was recognised that different agencies are responsible for different aspects of parking enforcement, and that it would be a question of prioritising their work. Cllr Prescot agreed to follow up with officers at Runnymede Borough Council to get a clear understanding of where the responsibilities lie and what would impact on the ability to carry out the enforcement.

     

    There was concern that new parking restrictions outside schools would be ignored. A number of potential hot-spots were mentioned, and Cllr Parr offered to email a list of these to Mr Wells. The officer stated that he liaises with local schools and encourages them to keep parents informed of parking issues through their newsletters; the borough is responsible for enforcement, with teams visiting schools approximately every six weeks – the Parking Services Manager for Runnymede would be able to give more detail regarding the schedule of visits, but it was noted that he is happy to send enforcement officers to a particular school if a request is made to his team directly.

     

    The proposed new restrictions at Staple Hill and Longcross Road and their relationship to the recently introduced pay-to-park arrangement at Chobham Common were discussed. Cllr Few asked for this recommendation to be held back while he sought clarification from cabinet colleagues. Mr Wells reminded the committee that the location was on the border with Surrey Heath and the lines in question crossed onto both sides of the border.

     

    Cllr Nuti thanked Mr Wells for his work in Chertsey division.

     

    Resolved

     

    The Joint Committee (Runnymede) agreed that:

     

    (i)    the proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Runnymede as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annexes A-F are approved, with the exception of the Staple Hill and Longcross Road recommendation in section 3.5 of the report, approval for which is to be deferred pending further discussion at Cabinet.

    (ii)  the joint committee allocates funding as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments.

    (iii)the intention of the county council to make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Runnymede as shown on the drawings in annexes A-F is advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

    (iv)if there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26/18

27/18

ENGLEFIELD GREEN PARKING GROUP UPDATE (FOR INFORMATION) pdf icon PDF 91 KB

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    An update on progress by the Englefield Green Parking Group.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: None

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    The results of the residents’ survey were noted. Cllr Prescot felt that the results did indicate a desire among residents for controlled parking, but it was agreed that a wider survey needed to be carried out to include Englefield Green West and Egham Town to take into account the regeneration of the town centre. Cllr Prescot asked for recommendation (ii) to be amended to show the results did show a strong indication.

     

    Mike Berry, Director of Estates at Royal Holloway University of London, addressed the meeting. He stated that while the University has policies in place and works with students to reduce levels of car use, it cannot stop legal drivers using their vehicles in town or parking on public streets. Mr Berry added that the University is keen to collaborate to resolve the issue as far as possible and welcomes increased engagement with residents who have highlighted problems.

     

    The question was raised regarding planning applications which do not include sufficient parking provision, and whether there were different guidelines for parking at university student accommodation as opposed to residential parking. Cllr Prescot asked the Runnymede Corporate Head of Strategy to clarify this with the borough Planning Department and requested that the recommendation in paragraph 4.1 be deferred pending the officer’s report back to the committee.

     

    Resolved:

    The Joint Committee (Runnymede) noted that:

     

    (i)    An informal consultation of residents was conducted to get a clearer idea of the level of support for the introduction of Controlled Parking Zones

     

    (ii)  The consultation did provide a strong indication for implementing Controlled Parking Zones with permits

     

    (iii)The Englefield Green Parking Group will meet again in the autumn

     

     

     

28/18

APPOINTMENTS TO TASK GROUPS (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION) pdf icon PDF 107 KB

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    This report seeks the approval of Joint Committee members to the Parking Task Group and Resident Engagement Task Group.

    Decision:

    The Joint Committee (Runnymede) agreed:

     

    The membership of the task groups, as detailed at paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 and Appendix 1 of this report.

     

    Reasons for Recommendation

    The report proposes joint committee task group membership for the forthcoming year to enable the provision of informed advice and recommendations to the committee.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Gregory Yeoman, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    Nominations for membership of the Parking Task Group and the Resident Engagement Task Group were read out by Mr Yeoman. There were no objections.

     

    Resolved:

    The Joint Committee (Runnymede) agreed:

     

    (i)            The membership of the task groups, as detailed at paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 and Appendix 1 of this report.

     

    Reasons for Recommendation

    The report proposes joint committee task group membership for the forthcoming year to enable the provision of informed advice and recommendations to the committee.

29/18

FORWARD PROGRAMME 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 82 KB

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    To review the forward programme 2018/19, indicating any further preferences for inclusion.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of Interest: None

     

    Officers attending: Gregory Yeoman, Partnership Committee Officer

     

    Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

     

    Member Discussion – key points:

    The Partnership Committee Officer encouraged members to submit ideas to the Chairman for items that they would like to see on the agenda for future committee meetings.

     

    Resolved:

    It was agreed that the item on salting routes prioritisation would move to November 2018, and that updates on Heathrow and the southern light railway would be included in March 2019 to complement the Local Transport Strategy review.

30/18

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

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    To be held on Monday 19 November 2018 at 7.00pm at Chertsey Halls, Heriot Road, Chertsey, KT16 9DR.

     

    (7.00pm – 7.30pm: Informal Public Question Time)

    Minutes:

    The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 19th November 2018 at 7.00pm.