Agenda item

Officers have worked with Members to agree priorities for this Financial Year’s Capital Maintenance programme of carriageways, footways and kerbs.

Preparations are progressing to implement the Kingston Road (Aldi) Puffin Crossing later this Financial Year.

A Traffic Regulation Order is needed to enable the section of Old London Road leading from Tattenham Corner Road to the Top Car Park on Epsom Downs to be closed overnight.

That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell]:

(i) Agreed the 2021-22 programme of Capital Maintenance schemes, as detailed in Table 2 of the report, and to authorised the Area Team Manager, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member to amend this programme as appropriate should unforeseen circumstances arise that would put the programme at risk of delivery;

(ii) Authorised the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Divisional Member, to advertise a legal notice for a new Puffin Crossing on the A240 Kingston Road, between Aldi on one side of the road and Timbercroft on the other, and to resolve any representations that are received;

(iii) [by 5 votes FOR to 2 AGAINST] Authorised the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Divisional Member, to advertise a permanent prohibition of traffic order to prevent motor vehicles entering the section of Old London Road between Tattenham Corner Road and the Top Car Park on Epsom Downs overnight, as detailed in Table 3 below, and to resolve any objections that may arise;

(iv) Authorised the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.

Reasons:

A programme of capital maintenance schemes needs to be agreed to invest Committee’s £217,000 allocation for this purpose. Officers have worked with Members to agree priorities. However, should unforeseen circumstances arise that

might put the programme at risk, the Area Highway Manager needs flexibility to amend the programme as appropriate.

A new Puffin Crossing is due to be implemented this Financial Year 2021-22 on the

A240 Kingston Road between Aldi and Timbercroft. Before any new traffic signal

controlled crossing is installed, a legal notice is necessary to inform the local

community and give opportunity for representations to be made.

Declarations of Interest: Cllrs Jan Mason and Steve McCormick declared that they are Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators

Officers attending: Nick Healey, Area Highways Manager;

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None

Member discussion –key points

Cllr Collin asked whether the additional signage requested on College Road had been added to the Committee’s prioritisation list? The Area Highways Manager undertook to do this if Cllr Collin could provide him with the details of the request.

In relation to recommendation (iii) the Area Highways Manager stated that a traffic regulation had previously been agreed for an overnight closure of the Old London Road, but a sealed order could not be located. The current recommendation slightly amends the hours previously agreed, in order to restrict public access when training is taking place on the Downs as this could be dangerous to the public. A member queried why the road is closing at 7pm in the summer when it is light later at this time. It was explained that the road needs to be closed by a downs keeper and the earlier time is for their safety when working alone. It was noted that whilst the police acknowledge that there has been anti-social behaviour in the area, they do not support the road closure.

The proposed timings reflect the wishes of the Conservators and the race horse trainers. They will be advertised with an opportunity for all to submit their comments. It is likely that the final decision will be brought back to the Committee. It was noted that the top car park is owned by the Jockey club and managed by the Conservators and that it’s hours of operation are a matter for them.

Resolved: