Traffic Management Committee Meeting

A meeting of the Traffic Management Committee was held on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 at Eccleshall Community Centre at 7pm.

1). Present were:-

Councillor P. Jones (Chair) Councillor T. Price

Councillor G. Garner Councillor L. Dale

Councillor P. Alcock Councillor J. Leather

Councillor J. Jones

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk) Councillor P. Edwards (observer).

1) Apologies:- were received from Councillors Langford and Amos.

2). Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday October 3rd, 2018:- The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council were agreed and signed.

3). Matters arising from the Minutes:-
Car Parking: Concerns were expressed at the permit scheme not being utilised effectively, with some permit holders not using the spaces allocated, not displaying the permit, or in the case of the Co-Op parking, not using the bays that have been allocated to the scheme. Cllr. P. Jones will be writing to all of the Co-Op permit holders to confirm the requirements of the scheme and whether traders still wish to hold a permit. The Clerk will obtain the names of traders who had been allocated spaces on the Police car park from County Councillor Pert. It was noted that Cllr. Price and County Councillor Pert had recently re-surveyed the usage of the Police car park, resulting in the re-allocation of some spaces. Cllr. Price advised some shop owners do not feel enough has been done by the Parish Council to resolve issues with car parking. The committee noted that the Council have been aware, and working to initiate and support any ideas to improve parking for some time, but with constraints on available land to park, progress will be slow. With the sale of the NatWest property, a further 20 spaces may be lost. Cllr. P. Jones will liaise with the Borough Council traffic warden regarding enforcement of the time limit for parking on the High Street.

4). To receive any updates from Mr Richard Rayson, Community Highway Liaison Manager:- No updates had been received from the actions of the last meeting. Mr. Rayson had very limited availability prior to Christmas, but frustrations were noted at the lack of progression of items that were raised in the meetings. The Clerk advised that the damaged signs in Croxton had been repaired/replaced after reporting the issue separately to Highways.

5). To discuss and put forward a proposal for portable Speed Indication Devices:-

The £5000 grant from Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership is due to be paid mid-January, and County Cllr. Pert has advised a further £1000 should be available in the first quarter of 2019 from the Highways Divisional funding pot. Taking into account the recommendations from Mr. Tim Buxton, there are 12 proposed locations for siting the mobile devices. Using ground screws rather than sleeves, this will mean an estimated total of £11,000 for the project. It was noted that there is flexibility if the Council do not wish to install all 12 ground screws in the first instance, and once the locations are finalised and approved, this may affect the final ground screw quotation, as it may take less time to install some fixings due to their proximity. Relevant licences will need to be obtained from the County Council prior to any commencement of work. The committee resolved to recommend that the Parish Council approve the project in full, with an estimated total cost of £11,000 ex VAT. This does not include any ongoing day to day running costs of the project.

6). To provide an update on the Slindon Gateway project and to sign the Section 115E consent:- The funding from Staffordshire County Council and Slindon Village Hall has been received, and with the contribution from the Parish Council, the project costs are fully covered. The Clerk is waiting a further quote for installation of the gates. With regards to the gate supplier, the Clerk has been advised by Mr. Rayson of Highways that Glasdon is a recommended supplier for the gates. The committee resolved to recommend that the quotations are considered and approved by the Parish Council and approval to proceed with the project is given. The Section 115E consent from Highways was duly signed by Cllr. Garner and witnessed by the Clerk.

7). To discuss the School Crossing Patrol Service:- A consultation had been issued by Staffordshire County Council regarding the planned withdrawal of funding for the School Crossing Patrols. It has written to schools to advise that it will continue to employ and provide a crossing patrol service if funding is given to cover the costs, which is estimated at £4,000. The County Council is encouraging fundraising to cover the costs. It was noted that the County Council has requested confirmation of the intention to fund the service by February half term, with funding to be provided by May 2019, prior to commencement in September 2019. The Clerk noted that some Parishes were looking into the provision of zebra crossings, but the cost for this can be in the region of 25-30k.The committee will be interested to receive feedback from the school in due course on its intentions.

8). Correspondence:- No correspondence had been received.

9). Any other business:- Mr. Bev Thompson, who has spent many years supporting the community by keeping the area of land by the toilets/The Burgage, has had to take a step back due to personal issues. The committee resolved to write to Mr. Thompson to thank him for all his hard work and support and to express their best wishes.

10). Date of next meeting:- 6th March, 2019, Eccleshall Community Centre at 7pm, preceding the meeting of the Planning Committee.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 7.45pm.