Agenda item - UPDATE ON INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SCHEME PROGRAMME FOR 2014/15 (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION)

To receive an update on the programme for 2014/15 and agree associated speed limit changes.

Resolved to:

(i) Note progress on the programme of minor highway works for 2014/15.

(ii) Authorise the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the B2128 at Ellens Green between Pollingfold Bridge and the existing terminal signs 160m west of the junction with Somersbury Lane (currently 50mph).

(iii) Authorise the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the A287 Gong Hill along

that section of the road which currently has a 50mph limit between The Bourne and Millbridge.

(iv) Agree that the current speed limit of 40mph along the A283 Petworth Road between Cherry Tree roundabout and Rodborough School, Milford should be reduced to 30mph and to refer the introduction of this limit, which is lower than that recommended by officers, to the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety.

Reason

The Committee was asked to note progress the programme of work for 2014/15 and

agree arrangements to enable the introduction of reduced speed limits. In relation to (iv) the Committee voted not to proceed with the recommendation that the speed limit should remain unchanged: as set out in the County Council’s policy on Setting Local Speed Limits the matter must be submitted for decision to the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety.

The Committee discussed the appropriate speed limit for the section of the A283 Petworth Road, Milford between Cherry Tree roundabout and Rodborough School. Members were mindful of the officers’ recommendation that the existing 40mph limit should remain, but noted the wish of local residents and Witley Parish Council that the limit should be reduced to 30mph, thereby creating consistency along this stretch of road. It was noted that a resolution not to adopt the officers’ recommendation would, as set out in the County Council’s policy on Setting Local Speed Limits, need to be submitted for decision to the Cabinet Member responsible for road safety. Mr P Martin proposed that recommendation (iv) be amended to seek agreement that the speed limit on the section in question should be reduced to 30mph; having been seconded by Mr S Cosser, this was agreed by ten votes to two, with three abstentions.

There was no decision to change the Committee’s approach to allocating its “Lengthsman” funding, i.e. through applications from interested Parish/Town Councils and other appropriate agencies. Some members, however, continue to feel that communities covered by local councils which do not wish to participate are disadvantaged by this approach.

The Area Highways Manager felt confident that the outstanding schemes in the programme would be delivered in the fourth quarter of the year. In relation to the Marshall Road cycle scheme (Godalming) it was reported that the legal agreement had been finalised and that signing was imminent.

The Committee discussed progress against the planned maintenance works programme and concern was expressed that some schemes had been removed or delayed without discussion with relevant members. The Chairman indicated that she would raise these concerns with the Assistant Director for Highways and Transport. There were also concerns about the standard to which pot-holes were repaired, delays in attending to surface-dressing schemes which had failed and the risks of failure in resurfacing roads where long-term drainage problems had not been addressed. The Highways Service was, however, congratulated on the quality of resurfacing work recently completed on the A286 and A287.