Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 763 KBVenue: Remote
Contact: Gregory Yeoman Partnership Committee Officer
Note: Please note that due to the Covid-19 situation this meeting will take place remotely.
Media
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
|
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence from members under Standing Order 39. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Cllr Graham Ellwood, Cllr Jo Randall and Cllr Caroline Reeves. |
|
|
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 1st July 2020 were approved as a correct record.
|
|
|
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
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 Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
|
|
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements. Additional documents: Minutes: The chairman commented on congestion around Guildford gyratory, Walnut Tree Close, the A3, and the proposed car-free day that had been discussed at the previous joint committee meeting.
Regarding the Guildford gyratory the rationale behind the removal of a lane on Bridge Street as part of both the Active Travel scheme and the traffic light refurbishment was outlined and it was confirmed that this layout would be maintained at least until the end of the current lockdown period on December 2nd.
The various projects either underway or about to start on Walnut Tree Close, including the one-way trial, Solum railway station works and the replacement of Walnut Tree bridge, were outlined along with the timetable to coordinate the various elements.
The importance of reinstating the Guildford stretch of the A3 to Highways England’s list of works on their RIS schedule was emphasised. The chairman explained that he had written to five MPs with constituencies along the A3 and he would report on their responses at the next meeting. Cllr Furniss confirmed that he had met the MP for Guildford to discuss the A3 and wider strategic road network in the county. The chairman asked him for a copy of any reply received from local MPs, to share with the GBC Executive.
The car-free day has been referred to Guildford borough council for them to develop and take forward. |
|
|
PETITIONS AND PETITION RESPONSES
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 14. An officer response will be provided to each petition. Additional documents: Minutes: Three petitions had been received. Full responses were included with the agenda papers.
Petition 1 – Make The Drive in Onslow one-way southbound towards the A31. Lead petitioner Mr Padget addressed the meeting. He explained the awkward configuration of the junction with the A31, whether arriving from the Farnham or Guildford direction. The junction with Crossways, at the western end of The Drive, is also dangerous because of poor visibility and the speed that vehicles travel. The benefits of a one-way section towards the A31 would be an improved junction alignment with the A31 and fewer cars turning into The Drive from Crossways.
Members noted the officer recommendation to include the proposal on the Highways Running List, with the proviso that a full consultation take place before any works are planned so that alternative views from residents can be put forward.
Petition 2 - Review the parking arrangements in Station Road and adjacent roads to prioritise residents over commuters. Lead petitioner Cllr Furniss addressed the meeting. He stated that 78% of the respondents who lived in Station Road were in favour of a parking review and asked the GBC On-Street Parking team to take this into account, particularly as the issue for this particular road should be looked at separately from the topic raised in Petition 3 (see below), which relates to the village of Shalford as a whole. He recognised that the introduction of a Resident Permit scheme is one that residents across the village would not want.
The On-Street Parking Coordinator acknowledged the conversation she had had with Cllr Furniss and agreed to amend her response to the petition so that a parking review would be looked at, while adding that it can be difficult to prioritise parking for residents without introducing a residents’ scheme.
Petition 3 - Not introduce residents' parking permits to Shalford village. Lead petitioner Cecilia Taylor, a resident of Shalford village, addressed the meeting. She stated that she had set up her petition because of her fear that a review of parking arrangements to prioritise residents (see Petition 2 above) would only result in a Residents’ Permit scheme, which would mean additional costs for residents, inconvenience for visitors, an increase in signage and parking wardens in the village, and a detrimental impact on the village’s character to address a problem that does not exist.
Members noted the officer response, which recommended not to implement a permit scheme.
|
|
|
MEMBER WRITTEN QUESTIONS
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 13. Additional documents: Minutes: No questions were received. |
|
|
PUBLIC WRITTEN QUESTIONS
To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 14. Additional documents: Minutes: No questions were received. |
|
|
ON-STREET PARKING BUSINESS PLAN 2021-2022 (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION)
This report presents the Parking Annual Report 2019-20 for Guildford and makes a number of recommendations to the Joint Committee in respect of on-street parking and the use of the surplus generated from this service. This report also explains the work carried out by parking services teams to support residents during the Covid19 pandemic. Additional documents: Decision: The Guildford Joint Committee:
(i) Noted the contents of Annexe 1, the Parking Annual Report for 2019-20 and the current and planned work associated with on street parking,
(ii) Agreed to the formal advertisement of Surrey County Council’s intention to make an order to develop and consult upon the proposals prioritised by the P&AQWG below (para 1.4 refers)
(iii) Agreed that implementation of the following two recommendations (approved by the Joint Committee in December 2019 but delayed due to Covid19) is carried over to 2021-22.
a. Introduce Pay by Phone technology, providing customers more flexibility in payment options and extending visits, b. Recommend a review in conjunction with Surrey County Council on replacement of current on-street Pay & Display (P&D) equipment.
Reasons for recommendations: (ii) The locations discussed at the PAQWG will form the first element of this parking review cycle. These quick wins have received high levels of support or are small technical amendments to controls. (iii) a. By introducing Pay by Phone technology in on-street parking locations, we can rationalise the number of P&D machines required and the amount of cash collections needed, while still offering customers the ability to pay by cash, as well as providing them with alternative, flexible payment options and easier ways to extend their stay, b. The current on-street P&D machines are all around 22 years old and only accept coins. Whilst they have performed well over that period, the machines look dated, are susceptible to increased security threats and the continued availability of spare parts is likely to become an issue. The latest P&D machines have improved security features and provide improved customer experience, by offering more flexible payment options, such as contactless card payments. Improved technology would also allow for reduced operating, maintenance costs, and enhanced management of the equipment, which are networked and are able to provide ‘real-time’ information. In summary, the equipment would benefit from upgrading. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officers attending: Andy Harkin, Parking Manager, Chris Wheeler, Waste, Parking and Fleet Services Manager, Lisa Haydney, On-Street Parking Coordinator, Guildford Borough Council
Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None
Member Discussion – key points: Various aspects of the Parking Business Plan were discussed.
· It was stated that the Parking & Air Quality working group had considered the background to the report in detail at its recent meeting and was happy with the recommendations. · Rolling out electric vehicle charging points will quickly become a major task given the government’s announcement of the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030. Where these are located, and who provides them (ie private or public interests), is still to be finalised, and the speed of development of battery and charger technology will have a bearing on any decisions that are taken. Borough and County Council officers are working together to develop plans for the provision of on-street charging points. · It was confirmed that there has been no change in Guildford Borough Council’s parking policy of encouraging users to drive ‘to not through’ Guildford, despite its intention to reduce car parking charges.
·
Onslow Park & Ride. The comment was
made that this location is poorly sited for visitors to the town
and that it could provide additional parking for the hospital ahead
of businesses. There are restrictions relating to the lease and
hours of use of this site, and currently it is being used as a
covid-19 testing centre with its return to Park & Ride not
expected before 2022. Any changes in how it is used will require a
planning process, plus agreement from the bus company that it is
commercially viable to extend the hours. Discussions with
Stagecoach are ongoing on this and how best to build up Park &
Ride business once covid-related
restrictions are lifted. · Members asked for an earlier indication of roads in their areas that might be considered for inclusion on the list of ‘quick wins’. · Charges at Park & Ride sites could be levied per vehicle being parked rather than per passenger. Cllr Spooner joined the meeting at this point.
Resolved: The Guildford Joint Committee:
(i) NOTED the contents of Annexe 1, the Parking Annual Report for 2019-20 and the current and planned work associated with on-street parking
(ii) AGREED to the formal advertisement of Surrey County Council’s intention to make an order to develop and consult upon the proposals prioritised by the P&AQWG below (para 1.4 refers)
(iii) AGREED that implementation of the following two recommendations (approved by the Joint Committee in December 2019 but delayed due to Covid19) is carried over to 2021-22.
a. Introduce Pay by Phone technology, providing customers more flexibility in payment options and extending visits, b. Recommend a review in conjunction with Surrey County Council on replacement of current on-street Pay ... view the full minutes text for item 25/20 |
|
|
FOREMAN ROAD/WHITE LANE SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION - FOR DECISION)
This report provides background information on the current speed limit on White Lane and Foreman Road in Ash. There is currently a 40mph speed limit which needs to be reduced to 30mph to improve safety for all users. Additional documents: Decision: The Guildford Joint Committee agreed that:
1) The speed limit from Foreman Road junction with Guildford Road to approximately 70m south of Warren Farm on White Lane is reduced from 40mph to 30mph. Reasons for recommendation: There are a number of residential developments being implemented along these roads which will result in an increase of pedestrians and cyclists. The nature of the area is changing to it is deemed suitable to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph to improve safety for all users of the highway. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officers attending:Kirsty Wilkinson, Principal Transport Development Planning Officer, Surrey County Council
Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None
Member Discussion – key points: With the increase in developments in the area and a corresponding increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists, the officer outlined the benefits of the proposed speed limit reduction and stated that the costs of the scheme would be met through S106.
Members supported the scheme.
Cllr Moseley left the meeting at this point.
Resolved: The Guildford Joint Committee AGREED that:
1) The speed limit from Foreman Road junction with Guildford Road to approximately 70m south of Warren Farm on White Lane is reduced from 40mph to 30mph. Reasons for recommendation: There are a number of residential developments being implemented along these roads which will result in an increase of pedestrians and cyclists. The nature of the area is changing so it is deemed suitable to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph to improve safety for all users of the highway. |
|
|
BLACKWATER VALLEY SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION)
This report provides background information on the current national speed limit on Blackwater Valley Road and slip roads around the Runfold Diversion roundabout in Tongham. The current speed limit on the above road and slip roads is a national speed limit which is proposed to be reduced to 40mph to improve road safety. Additional documents: Decision: The Guildford Joint Committee agreed:
(i) A reduction of the current national speed limit to a 40mph speed limit on a section of Blackwater Valley Road and the surrounding slip roads approaching the roundabout, where indicated on the attached plan. (ii) To promote a traffic regulation order for the introduction of the 40mph speed limit. Reasons for recommendations: To allow for the ongoing increase in economic prosperity of the region by providing increased capacity and safer roads for all users and to allow the government’s house building requirements to be met by the borough and district councils. Minutes: Declarations of Interest: None
Officers attending: Bahram Assadi, Traffic Engineer, Surrey County Council
Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: The chairman stated that this item was being taken as an urgent item under Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972. This was because the next opportunity to discuss it would be at the March 2021 formal meeting and the works in question need to have been carried out by then due to the time-limited nature of the LEP funding and to provide a safer working environment for the workforce.
Member Discussion – key points: The proposed scheme was welcomed by members.
Resolved: The Guildford Joint Committee AGREED:
(i) A reduction of the current national speed limit to a 40mph speed limit on a section of Blackwater Valley Road and the surrounding slip roads approaching the roundabout, where indicated on the attached plan. (ii) To promote a traffic regulation order for the introduction of the 40mph speed limit. Reasons for recommendations: To allow for the ongoing increase in economic prosperity of the region by providing increased capacity and safer roads for all users and to allow the government’s house building requirements to be met by the borough and district councils. |
|
|
DECISION TRACKER [FOR INFORMATION]
This report updates the committee on the progress of decisions that have been made at previous meetings. The Committee is asked to agree that the items marked as complete are removed from the tracker. Additional documents: Minutes: The recommendations in the decision tracker were agreed as described.
Cllr White left the meeting at this point. |
|
|
FORWARD PLAN (FOR INFORMATION)
The forward programme of reports for 2020/21. Additional documents: Minutes: The Forward Plan was noted.
The On-Street Parking Coordinator from GBC clarified that the scoring threshold for the review of potential new parking restrictions varies according to the scale of the scheme in question. |
|
|
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 17th March 2021. Additional documents: Minutes: The next formal meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th March 2021 at 4pm. |