Agenda and minutes

Councillors are asked to note that the Cabinet will re-appoint the Harlow Local Highways Panel at its meeting on 23 July 2015.

Apologies of absence were received from Officer Joe McGill.

The Panel noted that the Chairman and the Vice Chairman for 2015/16 will be elected at the next Harlow Local Highways Panel meeting, as the 2015/16 membership will be set at 23 July meeting of Harlow Council’s Cabinet.

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes held on 26 March 2015 are agreed as a correct record.

Further to minute 89(a) 8 January - Councillor Simon Carter on behalf of Councillor Tony Hall requested an update on what physical measure could be put in place to prevent right hand turns at the Aldi supermarket.  The Chairman advised that Joe McGill would provide an update on the matter to Panel members shortly.

Councillor Danny Purton raised general concern regarding Harlow’s main roads.  He explained that they were built in the 1940s and 1950s using inappropriate concrete.  Danny asked whether the opportunity to resurface the roads is taken when a major works project is planned.  The Chairman advised that the issue does not fall within the remit of the Panel and other methods of enquiry should be used.

Two members of the public had submitted written questions (attached) and were in attendance to address the Panel.  The following responses were provided:

a)    Vic Potter, for Priory Avenue Group

David Sprunt explained plans to improve the current situation in the area including the proposed M11 7a mitigation measures between Mulberry Green and the Harlow Mill Railway Station.  Also as part of the new housing development a right turn is planned along Gilden Way in the Sheering direction.  A ban on lorries is also proposed along Gilden Way. David advised that works are expected to start 12-18 months from now, mainly due to the Traffic Regulation Order that is required.

It was confirmed that a speed survey had previously been carried out on Priory Avenue and there was not sufficient reasons for the Police to support a speed restriction, therefore a temporary speed restriction is unlikely to be considered.

Problems concerning parking on Priory Avenue were discussed, particularly the effect that commuter parking and recent parking provisions on Hart Road have had on parking in Priory Avenue.  It was reported that buses have difficulty entering Priory Avenue due to parked vehicles.

b)    Paul McLintic

David Sprunt explained that it has been agreed in principle that should the proposed M11 junction 7a go ahead, the speed limit on Gilden Way would be reduced permanently from 60mph to 40mph.

The national criteria for speed limits were discussed.

The Panel received a report from Essex County Council on the status of minor schemes previously approved by the Panel for 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16.

The Panel discussed the following schemes:

LHAR142009 – Church Langley Way VAS sign - one has been installed and the other will be installed in the immediate vicinity.

LHAR142015 – Feasibility study for relining the approaches to Church Langley - Rissa to advise the Panel of when scheme can be expected to commence.

LHAR132014 - Mulberry Green/Gilden Way - Rissa to advise the Panel of when the scheme to amend confusing signage can be expected to commence.

LHAR142001 – Southern Way junction with Tawneys Road - this scheme is on course subject to potential delays outside of Essex Highways control.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

Summary of schemes for potential consideration in 2015/16.

The Panel received a report on potential 2015/16 schemes from Essex County Council.  Comment was offered on the following schemes:

LHAR152001 – Howard Way at the junction with Altham Grove - the Panel agreed that, having considered the findings of the feasibility study, circulated previously, the decision concerning a possible introduction of a mini roundabout at Howard Way at the junction with Altham Grove be made by the Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways.

The Panel discussed a number of other possible schemes that could be pursued in 2015/16:

Councillor Mike Danvers noted that, due to the bus cages on Momples Road and Maddox Road residents have difficulty parking in the area.  Rissa to advise the Panel whether it would be possible for the parking restrictions to be amended from 6am – 8pm to 9am to 5pm. 

The Panel discussed the traffic lights on Second Avenue which had been switched off as part of a three month trial.   The general impression is that switching the traffic lights off appears to have relieved traffic congestion; however the Panel agreed that quantifiable evidence would be required in order for the traffic lights to be permanently switched off.  Therefore £10,000 was allocated to a study at this location.

RESOLVED that:

A The safer roads and traffic management schemes as detailed in the report submitted, totalling £203,244, are progressed for 2015/16.

B The additionally suggested schemes identified above are progressed for 2015/16.

David Sprunt made a presentation on the following major highways schemes:

The Clocktower Roundabout

This scheme is due for completion at the end of July 2015.  The scheme will provide a slip road from the A414 towards the town centre and reduce queues and delays at the location.

The Enterprise Zone

Tree clearance took place in the winter to prevent birds from nesting at the location.  Utility works are taking place this summer.  The project will see the banks removed outside Mark Hall School to allow London Road to be widened to four lanes.  New traffic signals will be installed at the junction of the Enterprise Zone, London Road and New Hall.

The Gates Roundabout

This scheme will see the approach to the roundabout from the south widened to four lanes, Gilden Way to River Way will be dualled and there will be two lanes along Cambridge Road.  This works will improve traffic flow.

Templefields/Riverway

It is planned that there will be a left turn in (from the north) and a right out (to the south) system in place.  These works are planned to take place at the same time as Gates Roundabout works.

The Proposed M11 7a

The scheme is in the Public information stage and information will be available on various dates and locations over a four week period commencing 7 July 2015. 

Details and illustrations are appended to these minutes for information.

None.

To agree dates of meetings in September and December 2015, and March 2016.

The Panel will meet in September 2015, date to be confirmed with new members.

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