ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – Wednesday, October 5^th 2022

A meeting of the Traffic Management Committee was held on Wednesday, October 5^th at Eccleshall Community Centre, at 7.00 pm preceding a meeting of the Enhancements committee.

Present were:-

Councillor L. Dale (Chair)                           Councillor J. Leather

Councillor D. Hill                                            Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor G. Dale                                      Councillor A. Reid

Councillor R. Langford                               Councillor P. Jones

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

1).   Apologies:-

Apologies were received from Cllrs. Perren and J. Jones.

2).   Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022:-

The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council were agreed and signed.

Following up on the action to request traffic wardens to visit Eccleshall to monitor parking, the Clerk provided an update. Enforcement officers for on street parking are within the remit of the County rather than Borough Council, and reports of parking offences including parking beyond time limits, parking on double yellow lines and requests for visits by civil enforcement officers can be made online at https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Highways/Parking-and-enforcement/On-Street-Parking/Problem-parking/Report-problem-parking/Report-problem-parking-online.aspx. The clerk has submitted a request but a response was not received.

It was resolved to recommend writing to County Councillor Pert to ask for support in requesting attendance by County enforcement officers to monitor High Street parking and encourage regular turnover of cars to improve parking availability. Members stressed the need to highlight that this parking is an asset to the town and needs to be retained but managed effectively.

3).   To discuss any response/progress regarding completion of road safety provision within the Slindon 40mph zone.

There has been no further work undertaken with regard to outstanding road markings and signage as expected to be delivered as part of the implementation of the 40mph zone in Slindon. It was noted that the response from Cllr. Pert to the correspondence enquiring of the progress indicated that the project was considered complete. Members noted that further work sounds unlikely.

The Clerk was asked to liaise with Highways to request a meeting for November/December in order to raise this and any other issues.

4).  Speed Indication Devices:

At present the Parish Council own 4 units, which move between 8 locations but operate over 11 different positions as some locations allow the units to be positioned in opposite directions each month. The units rotate monthly in accordance with a rota which ensures fair distribution between each location/position.

Recent feedback has advised particular concerns on the Newport Road by the junction of Cross Butts and Green Lane. This is a busy crossing point for those walking to and from school, and vehicle speed is of concern to pedestrians.

Members also considered the value of purchasing additional solar panel kits to save the removal and movement of the panels each month, which were not designed to be mobile.

It was resolved to recommend:

• The purchase of one additional speed device with solar panel kit, to be installed at the existing post located on the Newport Road by the Cross Butts and Green Lane junction. The device will face towards traffic heading into Eccleshall as it is expected the traffic will be going faster downhill into town. The device could be rotated if necessary.
• The purchase of 3 additional solar panel kits so there is a solar panel permanently sited on each post.

The clerk will review the current rota and come back with a revised proposal to factor in the additional permanent unit.

With regards to the data held by the speed devices, it was agreed that Cllr. Reid would be provided with the software and download and analyse the data from the Stone Road device, to ascertain its value and for discussion at the next meeting.

5).   To discuss and consider any new opportunities with regards to parking spaces in town, enforcement of parking restrictions and consider related resident correspondence to provide a response.

It was observed that the committee continue to be committed to exploring any solutions to the parking problem, and past actions included:

• Research into the old gas works site off the Stone Road for parking provision. This was unsuccessful as it still contains live equipment
• Support for the trader parking scheme – the Co-Op provides 10 parking spaces for use by traders and the Kings Arms also lets out parking spaces for a monthly charge.

It was noted that a recent consultation by the Rural Services Network asked for suggestions for use of a dormant assets fund and Cllr. Langford has submitted a suggestion to include offering funding for purchase of land to be used for parking. It was noted that land near the town was limited and if for sale, attracts a premium price for development. Members note the need to continue to be pro-active to look for any opportunities.

   6). Correspondence

There was no correspondence to consider.

7). To propose future activities and budget to inform the 2023-24 budget planning process

Members were asked to feedback with any activities/projects for consideration.

8). Items for the next meeting

Any other items for the next meeting can be forwarded to the Clerk.

  9).  Date of next meeting:- 4^th January 2023.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 7.50pm