P Carney presented the Annual Programme for Road Safety Initiative 2014/15 outlining the LTP capital allocation for 2014/15 at £70k.  The report details an update on Road Safety, showing safer and improved routes to schools, including improved safety outside school locations.  Appendix 1 outlines in detail all works undertaken outside schools in the past 5-10 years.

Appendix 2 of the report details some priorities set in 2013/14 that are not yet complete. P Carney outlined the schemes requiring further work as Abbey Gates, Ellacombe Church Road, Kings Ash (junction by Spar shop), The Strand, and 20mph zones outside schools.  It was noted that consultation work has been undertaken relating to Ellacombe Church Road, but works are not yet complete.  Concerns remain regarding the Kings Ash, but this will be incorporated as part of the LTB Western Corridor scheme.  A detailed review has been undertaken of the Strand in 2013/14 and a design brief is going to be prepared for the implementation of a 20mph speed limit during the evening. P Carney confirmed that there are some electrical works to be completed for the signing of 20mph outside schools, but funding for this is secured from 2013/14 budget.

P Carney gave an overview of the proposed Schemes for 2014/15 as outlined in Appendix 3.  It was explained to the Working Party that the schemes had been listed in priority order following analysis of collision data in conjunction with the Police.  

Councillor Ellery and Liz Pippett were asked to approach the table to speak regarding this issue.

L Pippett (L Pippett) - Manager of Smugglers and Pirates Experience, Kings Street, Brixham.

Councillor Ellery - Brixham Town Council

L Pippett outlined major health and safety concerns relating to a break in the pathway outside the main entrance at the above attraction.  The main entrance to the attraction is the designated disabled entrance and the designated fire exit which leads directly onto Kings Road, and is used by all visitors - the elderly, young and the disabled.  There is a major health and safety risk with people vacating the building directly onto the road, due to a break in the pavement, and in L Pippett’s opinion a fatality waiting to occur.  L Pippett was struck by a vehicle just last week whilst entering/exiting the building.  L Pippett advised that the attraction has had £900k in investment and the company are desperate to provide safe access in/out of the building.  L Pippett has been in discussed with John Clewer, Highways department, from September 2013 and was recommended that "no loading" and "no parking" restrictions are implemented - these works have not come to fruition.  L Pippett circulated letters of thanks sent to the attraction, but detailing concerns of the dangerous entrance to the building.

Councillor Ellery requested that the two pavements are joined together to create 6 metres of pavement outside the attraction.

P Carney confirmed there is no objection to the scheme being carried out and confirmed it would be of benefit. P Carney reiterated that the Proposed Schemes List was collated on actual evidence of collision data, however Members of the Working Party can advise if this scheme is to be added to the list and at which priority on the list. P Carney took the opportunity to urge anyone involved in a collision outside the Smugglers and Pirates Experience to report this to the Police, to enable this to be reflected on the collision data.

Councillor Brooksbank was in favour of this being added to the list, either at the bottom and if there is budget remaining it could be undertaken, or perhaps at a higher rank on the list.

Councillor Cowell considered the last 3 proposed schemes are more about design brief, and given the location of the attraction, with a gap in the pavement, advised it is not feasible to have it on a reserve list. P Carney confirmed an estimate of £4-5k for this scheme. 

Chair, Councillor R Hill invited Councillor M Morey to speak:

Councillor Morey confirmed that it is a busy junction on Fore Street, The Strand and Kings Street, and there had never been a pavement on that section, but this does cause issues especially during the holiday season. Councillor Morey advised it is an important issue of safety.  

Councillor Doggett was in agreement with the request as this is currently dangerous.  

Councillor Amil supported the scheme being on the list.

Councillor Stocks agreed with comments made above and confirmed it should go above South Street.  

Councillor Cowell supported it needs to be a higher priority.

Recommendation:

That the road safety priorities for 2014/15 be as identified within Appendix 3 be progressed with Kings Street, Brixham added after Hyde Road.

Proposed: Councillor Cowell

Seconded: Councillor Amil

In favour: All.

Councillor Ellery and L Pippett thanked the Working Party and left the meeting.

Councillor Doggett raised concern regarding an incident involving a school child nearly being knocked over at the back of Woodland Park by Sacred Heart School. P Carney to investigate and feedback to Councillor Doggett outside of this meeting.  Councillor Doggett also raised concerns regarding the Strand area in Torquay with pedestrians crossing in between buses. P Carney advised regarding the future proposed speed restrictions for the area and this would be looked at as part of the Strand Scheme. 

Councillor Cowell emphasised the need for improvement at Abbey Gates.  Councillor Cowell also raised concerns following a meeting with the new Headteacher at Torquay Academy relating to Cricketfield Road and would welcome the prioritised 20pmph zone.  The Headteacher has asked whether break outs or central reservations could be implemented to assist with slowing down the traffic.  In the past 6 months there have been two collisions, one child was clipped by a wing mirror and the other suffered head injuries.  There needs to be more than just a 20mph zone.

Councillor Addis concluded as to what use a reduced speed limit is unless it is enforced by the Police.  Councillor Addis advised in Ellacombe the speed restriction is never monitored.

Chair Councillor Hill invited Councillor B Davies to speak:

Councillor Davies raised concern with the traffic issues on Hayes Road (the back road) with Sanctuary Housing now at the top - would this be looked at.  

Councillor Stocks advised schools need to be educating the children. P Carney confirmed when a 20mph limit is introduced the Council does liaise with the school.  

S Cheriton advised that School Governors do work with the children and the Police as part of the Safety Camera Partnership.

Councillor Brooksbank queried whether Parking Services still do random visits to schools. P Carney confirmed that visits are made, but how often is limited due to reduced enforcement.