Agenda item

To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47.

No declarations of interest received.

Officers present:

Zena Curry, Area Highway Manager

Anita Guy, Principal Engineer, Highways

Steve Clavey, (StC) Senior Engineer, Parking

Cllr Dickson had submitted a written question and had received a written response. She had no supplementary as the potholes had already been ‘ringed’ ahead of the work being carried out.

Stephen Cooksey had received responses to five written question in advance of the meeting and asked the following supplementaries:

1.    He wanted to know what was happening about the brief as already part way through June and whether it would be shared with Members for Dorking. ZC explained that they were looking for innovative ideas so were keeping the brief as open as possible, but that Members could contribute. She stressed again that it was tied in with Growth Deal 3 and could take 18months – 2years.

2.    SC commented that any reduction in speed limit would also benefit children attending St Paul’s school.

3.    SC stressed his disappointment at this response and that he found the situation ‘unacceptable’. ZC/AG had spoken to the Legal Team about additional signage but this was not allowed. The police had undertaken some enforcement but had no resources to continue on a regular basis. HC suggested that perhaps the police could use a mobile camera to take photos of offenders in a targeted operation. It was agreed that the Local Committee would send a strongly worded letter to the police outlining the concerns and asking for action (Committee Officer to draft).

4.    SC stressed the importance of clear communication in the parking review process. He did not think it good enough that residents should have to respond via the internet and wanted to know if the scheme could be revisited. StC explained it was general policy to persuade residents to respond electronically and that there was help available via the Contact Centre and it was unlikely to make a difference to the result.

5.    He asked to be kept informed the on the progress of the review.

Cllr Haque had received a written response to his question but wanted to clarify that residents tend to cross the road away from the full width speed humps that are already installed. ZC explained that Highways receive far more requests for schemes than can be afforded and that there was not a history of accidents in this location.

Mrs Watson had received responses to 11 questions and had the following supplementaries:

Q3.      She would like to have a date for the survey. AG confirmed it was ordered and will try and get a date for hopefully before the schools break up.

Q4.      She would like confirmation of the date the work would be carried out. AG to check the drawings and issue to the lining contractor. The urgency will be stressed but the work is weather dependent.

Q5       The site visit was held back in Feb 2014 so wanted assurance that the assessment would be ready for November, so that it could considered as a scheme for next year’s funding for integrated traffic schemes. It was explained that it is the Sustainable Transport Team that carry out assessments and it would probably happen in September when the schools go back.

Q6       She did not feel that the number of current 30mph roundels was sufficient for such a long road. Highways explained that there was no requirement to have them and that there are maintenance issues as they tend to wear. They have no plans to install any more but will get the teams to assess the condition of the current ones.