Agenda and minutes

The Chairman noted that the Cabinet was due to reappoint the Panel at its meeting in July 2014.

Apologies of absence were received from Essex County Councillor Tony Durcan.

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 16 April 2014 are agreed as a correct record.

With reference to minute 41 from the 18 February 2014 Panel meeting Mr John Wright, Waterhouse Moor Residents Association was in attendance to address the Panel.  Rissa Long explained that a speed analysis survey had been undertaken along Waterhouse Moor and the results show that the majority of traffic adhere to the speed limit and therefore no further action would be taken at this time. 

With reference to minute 52 from the 16 April 2014 Panel meeting Mr Vic Potter, Priory Avenue Group was in attendance to address the Panel.  Mr Potter explained that he had sent a letter to the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) which requests them to reconsider extending the Priory Avenue restricted parking from the Hoo junction to the Old Road junction.  The Chairman confirmed that he had had sight of Mr Potter’s letter and that he wished him well with his endeavour. 

The Panel received a report from Essex County Council on the status of minor schemes previously approved by the Panel for 2012/13 and 2013/14.  Rissa provided a further update on the listed schemes as below:

Minor –  School Crossing Patrol Money allocated for generic works outside schools with safety concerns.  The TRO will be concluded in 6 week’s time however clarification of when the barriers will be installed by Essex Highways is unknown at this stage

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

The panel received a report from Essex County Council on the status of minor schemes previously approved by the Panel for 2014/15.

It was confirmed that progress has been made concerning the removal of existing traffic signals to be replaced with a mini roundabout at Southern Way junction with Tawneys Road.

RESOLVED that this report is noted.

Summary of schemes for potential consideration in 2014/15.

Summary of schemes for potential consideration in 2014/15.

Councillor Tony Hall drew the Panel’s attention to the following issues:

Item 1 – There is new rear access to Tesco car park via Minton Lane.  Parked cars are causing problems.

Item 2 – Church Langley Tesco are intending to introduce a new pick up service in their car park which will cause traffic problems.

Item 3 – Residents have complained about the cleanliness of bus shelters.  Rissa confirmed that cleaning requests should be made to the Highways rangers.  

The Panel received a report from Essex County Council which included several potential minor schemes for inclusion in Harlow’s draft 2014/15 capital allocation of £487,315.

Councillor Muriel Jolles made a number of suggestions for minor safety improvements on Harlow’s roads.  Rissa Long agreed to investigate Councillor Jolles concerns and report back to the Panel as appropriate.

RESOLVED that

A The minor schemes listed in the report totalling £86,500 are agreed, and in addition.

Item 6 - £5,000 was agreed for installation of guard railing to deter pedestrians from crossing from the Sainsburys pedestrian access to the Post Office car park.

B The Passenger Transport schemes listed in the report totalling £22,000 are agreed.

C The following additional schemes at an estimated total cost of £63,000 are progressed:

Item 1 – A second VAS sign is installed on Church Langley Way.  The speed Survey identified speeding traffic estimated cost £8,500

Item 2 – VAS sign installed at Parsloe Road.  Does meet speed survey criteria.  Estimated cost £8,500

Item 3 – Feasibility study on Parsloe Road speeding traffic from Epping direction gateway feature and signage estimated cost £5,000

Item 4 – Feasibility studies for roundabouts at staggered junctions at the following locations estimated cost £15,000 (£5,000 each).  Howards Way with Maddox Road, Momples Road and the Stow.

Item 5 – Road markings and lines Church Langley Way at Tesco roundabout estimated cost £1,000

Item 6 – Pedestrian signs and cycle signs estimated cost £25,000

Item 7 – Revenue funding for six speed surveys

The Panel received a report which itemised a list of external requests for work submitted to the Rangers in May 2014.  Details of how to request the services of the Highways Rangers are detailed on page 21 of the report pack.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

David Sprunt provided a verbal update on the following major highways schemes:

Burnt Mill roundabout complete end of June 2014.

Works are due to start at the Clock Tower roundabout mid to end July 2014.

Works are due to start at the London Road Enterprise Zone site entrance in December 2014.  This will include four lanes at London Road roundabout.

Councillor Mike Danvers expressed his concern that works take a very long time to complete. David explained that the delays are often due to utilities and that roads cannot be closed.

A member of the public Momples road pavement in disrepair – not remit of this Panel – advised to report to Harlow highways Rangers maintenance.

The Panel will meet in September 2014 date to be confirmed with new members.

Meeting dates from September onwards will be agreed at the next meeting of the Panel.