Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

All Members of the Panel were present at the meeting.  

To receive Councillor’s declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2015.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2015 are agreed as a correct record.

At the request of the Panel, the Chairman advised that the traffic lights located outside Leisurezone on Second Avenue had completed the ‘period of time uncovered’ and were now in a ‘period of time covered’.  He added that subject to findings of the study, funding to remove the traffic lights would be agreed at a future meeting of the Panel. 

Councillor Karen Clempner indicated that a potential scheme for 2016/17 at Longbanks had been omitted from the report in the Agenda pack.  Rissa reported that the scheme had been formally validated and would appear in the March report.  

Three members of the public had submitted written questions (attached) and the following responses were provided:

a)    Malkin Drive resident

In the absence of the questioner, the Chairman summarised the question and provided some background information.  It was agreed that Rissa would provide a written response to the questioner.

b)    Mr Kevin Tucker, on behalf of Harlow Common Residents Forum

1.    Potter Street speeding problems

Having spoken with the Police, Rissa advised that ‘Police automatic number plate readers in operation in this area’ signs are only used where speeding issues are known to them.  The Panel indicated that funding for a feasibility study to look at speeding and parking in this area could be allocated at the March meeting.

2.    Clock Tower roundabout

David Sprunt advised that following the stage 3 safety audit, it is planned to introduce a ‘keep clear’ area for traffic entering the roundabout from the direction of Potter Street north.  It was noted that the timescale for this introduction is weather dependant.

It was also noted that following the stage 3 safety audit, a ‘merge in turn’ sign would be erected on the slip road in the direction of the town centre. 

3.    Mark Hall roundabout

David Sprunt advised that there were two slip roads planned at the Mark Hall roundabout and that there would be four lanes and would therefore not be similar to the Clock Tower and Burnt Mill roundabouts.

c)    Mr Vic Potter, for the Priory Avenue Group

David Sprunt indicated that an option to ban right turns (with the exception of buses) had been considered however this would be developer funded and subject to consultation.

A member of public, Gavin Chester of Morley Grove, was in attendance and with the permission of the Chairman expressed his concern in relation to recent works and congestion at the Burnt Mill roundabout.  David Sprunt explained that the recent works at the Burnt Mill roundabout are part of a series of long term major schemes including dual lanes and developments in Hertfordshire.  The Chairman advised that whilst he was sympathetic, these issues are not with the remit of the Panel. 

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.  Rissa Long provided some further detail on several of the listed schemes.

LHAR142003 – Taxi Bus Lane Trial - Although £52,000 was allocated to this scheme it had been identified that only signage is required and therefore the final cost is likely to be less.

LHAR152003 – Parsloe Road, Gateway Feature - Rissa agreed to circulate entry signage plans to all Members of the Panel for agreement.

LHAR152023 – Lamppost painting in Old Harlow would continue in summer 2016, weather permitting.  

LHAR155021 – Harlow Congestion Parking - Councillors were asked to identify further areas for parking congestion relief.  Suggestions should be sent to rissa.long@essexhighways.org.  

The Panel agreed that, subject to availability of funding, a pedestrian crossing on Old Hall Rise, Church Langley would be investigated to ascertain if it meets the criteria.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

Summary of schemes for potential consideration in 2016/17.

The Panel received a report on potential schemes from Essex County Council. 

The Chairman asked Members of the Panel to identify additional potential schemes for 2016-17 noting that it is likely that the budget would be reduced from 2015/16.

RESOLVED that the Safer Roads, Traffic Management and Walking schemes as detailed in the report submitted, totalling £71,000, are considered for 2016-17 at the March meeting when budget availability is known.

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

The Clocktower Roundabout

Further works are planned to introduce keep clear road markings and extend lane markings further back to allow early warning to drivers.

Following a request from a Panel member, David Sprunt agreed to find out if there are plans to reinstate the bollards at the Clocktower roundabout.

First Avenue

It is planned that there will be four lanes at London Road and at the Enterprise Zone entrance.  It is also planned that a signal junction will be introduced into the Enterprise Zone.

Cambridge Road Roundabout

The A414 Edinburgh Way leading from the Cambridge Road roundabout will be widened to a dual carriageway, as far as the River Way roundabout and the existing signals at East Road will be upgraded.

Templefields/Riverway Access

This scheme will provide a new access from Cambridge Road to the Templefields Enterprise Zone on River Way.

Details and illustrations can be found at the following website:

http://www.essexhighways.org/Transport-and-Roads/Highway-Schemes-and-Developments/Major-Schemes/Harlow-Improvement-schemes.aspx

The Panel discussed ideas for further major works in the town.  David advised that, for a number of reasons, it is not possible for all major works to be progressed at once.

At Joe McGill’s request, the Panel agreed that the Highways Rangers would assist in the removal of unauthorised advertising boards in the town.

24 March 2015,10am

The next meeting of the Harlow Local Highways Panel is 24 March 2016, 10am.