Agenda item

This report sets out the basis of an issue raised by Councillor Hubbard. 

Discussion:

At the request of Councillor Hubbard, the Committee discussed the issue of a protocol for communication/engagement with elected members on major transport projects.

In response to the points raised by Councillor Hubbard in his Member’s Item, the Assistant Director Front Line Services advised that a protocol was already in existence to brief Ward Councillors on major transport projects both within their Wards and in Wards directly affected by the transport projects. However, he accepted that this had not worked as transparently in Strood as it should have done regarding works at Darnley Arch and he apologised for this oversight.

The Assistant Director Front Line Services explained that a roadworks list was regularly circulated to all Councillors detailing the location of scheduled works, the reason for the works, the sponsor, start date and the anticipated duration of the works. In addition, he advised that the Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture had regular meetings with Members across all Groups for which reports were prepared by Officers on up and coming transport projects.

In response to the suggestion that the works at Darnley Arch be delayed or undertaken overnight, the Assistant Director Front Line Services advised that roadworks could only be carried out overnight if they were not located close to residential properties or where the works would only last for a limited duration e.g. one or two nights. He explained that to have undertaken the works at Darnley Arch overnight would have resulted in the works lasting longer than 6 weeks and would have affected approximately 70 residential properties located within 100m from the site. Owing to the likelihood of noise complaints, this was not therefore an option. In addition, to have undertaken the works in phases would have lengthened the duration of the works which was not considered desirable.

The Assistant Director Front Line Services informed the Committee that the works at Darnley Arch were due for completion one week earlier than planned.

In response to comments made about Medway City Estate, (paragraph 2.8 of the report), the Assistant Director Front Line Services informed the Committee that Southern Gas were undertaking essential repairs to replace a leaking mains gas pipe. He advised upon the outcome of negotiations between Officers and Southern Gas on the routing of the works as a means of minimising the effect upon the community. In recognition of the current problems being caused for traffic leaving Medway City Estate during the evening rush hour, a traffic management initiative involving use of a buffer vehicle to slow traffic travelling through Medway Tunnel had been put in place so as to relieve pressure on St Anthony’s roundabout. This temporary initiative would remain in place until the Station Road roadworks were complete. Any Member wishing to view this initiative in operation could do so by prior arrangement through the CCTV control room.

The Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture and informed the Committee that £2m funding was available for initiatives aimed at resolving the issues at Medway City Estate. He outlined some of the initiatives currently being considered.   

The Assistant Director Front Line Services referring to earlier comments about the road safety scheme in Luton advised the Committee that this scheme had been possible through grant funding. He confirmed that Medway was proactive in acquiring funding for road schemes and it was a matter of balance as to at what point schemes should be placed out for consultation. Members expressed the view that they would welcome involvement at an early stage on road schemes. The Assistant Director Front Line Services advised that the Council had until Spring 2015 to work up and develop schemes to be funded by the LEP monies and therefore details of the various projects would be referred back to a future meeting of the Committee.

In responding to the comments from the Assistant Director Front Line Services, Councillor Hubbard referred to the communications system in place relating to planning applications and suggested that a similar scheme be put in place for major road transport schemes. He also suggested that the roadworks scheme list circulated to Councillors should include information as to how the schemes impact upon each other.

The Assistant Director Front Line Services advised the Committee that £9m funding was available to spend in Strood and that part of this funding would, in Year 1 be used to undertake an analysis of what is required. He gave an assurance that this would be shared with Ward Councillors.

Members also referred to the possible use of the bus lane in Canal Road, Stroodby taxis and the Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture agreed to notify Members of the Committee on the timescale for this to be achieved.

A Member advised that she had received reports of individuals, believed to be students regularly walking through Medway Tunnel. The Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture requested that information be supplied on the time of day that this was occurring and the matter would be referred to the Police.

Decisions:

a)                 The Committee noted the contents of the report and the response from Officers;

b)                 It was noted that the planning application notices system involving Members works successfully and that a similar system on transport projects be communicated with Members;

c)                  There be increased strategic planning on how transport projects both in and outside of the Council’s control impact on each other; and

d)                 A briefing note be supplied on the timescale for the bus lane in Canal Road in Strood to be opened up for use by taxis.