MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 22 APRIL 2003 COMMENCING AT 9.35 AM
Present :
Mr G P Price (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr R C Richards
Portfolio Holders :
Mrs T M Butchers, Mr E Fox
Also Present (non voting) :
Mrs M A Jarman
1. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2003 be confirmed.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations made at this stage.
3. URGENT BUSINESS - PARK AND RIDE SCHEME, SOMERTON, COWES
The Chairman sought the latest information from the Portfolio Holder for Transport on the operation of the recently introduced park and ride scheme at Somerton, Cowes. The Portfolio Holder indicated that usage was low but this was due to drivers finding alternative parking within Cowes. It was anticipated the situation would change once seasonal demand increased. The scheme was due to be properly signed.
RESOLVED :
THAT the matter be noted.
4. BUDGET MONITORING AS AT END OF MARCH 2003
The Chief Financial Officer reported on the budget in respect of revenue and the Highway Capital Programme as at the end of March 2003. Members were made aware of major variances in revenue expenditure. It was noted that a number of adjustments were still to be made to the budget mainly due to the invoicing arrangements connected with waste management.
With regard to highway capital expenditure there would be an underspend of £3,693,000 of which £1,036,000 was deemed to be committed. It would be possible to manage the overall Council Capital Programme so that slippage could be accommodated in 2003-04. The Chief Financial Officer indicated the need to ensure that slippage was kept to a minimum in subsequent years.
The Select Committee clarified expenditure on some capital schemes. Reference was also made to the highway capital programme for 2003-04 which had been compiled utilising the recently introduced priority assessment.
RESOLVED :
THAT the budget monitoring report be accepted.
5. ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY
The Select Committee considered the report of the Head of Engineering Services on the new draft Road Safety Plan. The Strategy had been drafted as part of the Best Value Improvement Plan and the need to review Road Safety in accordance with the Local Transport Plan. It would assist in the Council’s objectives in meeting the national casualty reduction targets. The Plan contained separate strategies for Safer Routes to Schools, Speed Management, Safety Audit Procedures and Safety Engineering Schemes.
Members discussed the various elements of the draft Plan and in particular the key actions involved. One action was the possible establishment of a Road Safety Forum comprising a range of road user groups. The role of the Quality Transport Partnership in this and the consultation process was highlighted. The importance of education within road safety was stressed and work was being undertaken by the Fire and Rescue Service in connection with Fire Safety was proving a success. The statistics provided within the draft Plan would assist in the Select Committee’s deliberations on Road Traffic Accidents which was to be initially discussed later in the meeting.
RESOLVED :
THAT the draft Road Safety Plan be endorsed for public consultation, including the Quality Transport Partnership, and the Select Committee consider the results of this at its meeting to be held on 29 July 2003.
6. INVESTIGATION INTO INCREASE IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support reminded Members that at the Select Committee’s Development Day the need to undertake an investigation into the increase in serious and fatal road traffic accidents on the Island had been raised.
The Select Committee could take evidence from a number of Key Stakeholders. This would then lead to an understanding of the implications for those of dealing with road traffic accidents and also areas where relevant action could be taken in an effort to reduce the numbers involved.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the scope of the review be to :
(i) ascertain any trends in serious and fatal road traffic accidents.
(ii) ascertain whether the revenue and capital budgets are being utilised effectively to aid a reduction in road traffic accidents.
(iii) investigate joint initiatives with appropriate agencies to assist in the reduction of serious and fatal road traffic accidents.
(b) THAT the representatives of the following agencies be invited to give evidence :
Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, St Mary’s Hospital Trust Coroner, Hants and IOW Safety Camera Partnership, Institute of Advanced Motorists and Institute of Driving Instructors.
7. WORKPLAN
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support submitted the workplan 2003-04 based on the issues raised by members at the Select Committee’s Development Day.
Members were aware that the Council’s Agenda 21 Officer, Angela Mawle, would soon be leaving the Authority’s employment. The Select Committee asked that its thanks for all her hard work be passed on to Ms Mawle. It would be necessary to clarify with the Head of Corporate Policy and Communications as to whether the reports on renewable energy in July and Agenda 21 in October would be available.
Additionally the draft Road Safety Strategy would be brought back to the Select Committee in July 2003.
RESOLVED :
THAT the workplan be approved.
CHAIRMAN