To agree the minutes from the last meeting held on 25^th August 2021.

All agreed that the minutes were an accurate record of the last meeting.

HF asked for an update on the issues with the collections in various roads - KM updated that with the current issues with the collections/driver shortages, the data information has not been able to be collected ready in time for this meeting. This will be added to the agenda for discussion at a future meeting.

NB asked for an update as he has not seen any consultation process as was advised last year that this would start in January. 

IJ confirmed that the request was on the priority list, agreed with the Cabinet Lead to be taken forward as part of the ‘one off’ funding from Torbay Council, however it has not progressed further due to staff resources.

KM updated that there is £150k available this year that has been allocated to fund the staff resource for this and for completing the process of implementing the restrictions requests by councillors and members of the public. Unfortunately it has not been possible to recruit an officer resource to process this work and the use of consultancy service has also proved challenging due to capacity issues. 

KM advised that one of the potential solutions that could be implemented to help resolve the issues with motor homes/camper vans parking in certain areas, is to implement new parking charges in the roads concerned where the vehicles would be required to pay for parking. 

KM confirmed to all for information that it is not an offence to sleep in a vehicle, however it is an offence to deposit any waste onto the highway.

KM advised that he is aware of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that was implemented in Battery Gardens which prohibited the parking of motorhomes in this area, which can be introduced into the problematic areas. This would also require enforcement to be carried out in the areas during the prohibited times.  However, the TRO will need to be specific about the classification of vehicles that are prohibited from parking i.e. motorhomes, so issues will still arise with vehicles that have a different classification and have been converted into camper vans/motorhomes.

KM asked all for their views on the way forward that officers can take away for progressing to see what can be agreed.

NB provided an update on issues that were experienced in Wellswood last summer with someone who had parked in a motorhome for 5 weeks and was carrying out activities that were upsetting residents in the area. NB is asking on behalf of residents for a parking ban to be introduced from 10 pm to 8 am for vehicles in the area. A resident has carried out some investigations into available parking legislation and has found that there is parking legislation that can be enforced.

IJ advised that he is taking legal advice on this suggested legislation as it is not something that has been used by the authority previously. ACTION – IJ to update NB.

JO’D asked if it was possible to introduce restrictions by vehicle size and IJ advised no that it is not possible to do so.

AB asked for an update on the issues that were experienced last summer of the travellers on Paignton Green/Corbyn Head and how this is going to be resolved for this year. KM advised that it is not possible to provide a 100% guarantee that TC can stop illegal encampments. KM advised that one issue experienced last year was where third parties who were allowed access to these areas left the gates unlocked which allowed the illegal encampment. New improved padlocks have been purchased and will be introduced next month, along with a new padlocked gate onto Paignton green, but these will be of no help if the gate is left open.

CL commented that he believes that the implementation of the TRO’s would be the best idea and ward councillors can be contacted to provide the lists of road names where there are particular problems.

It was agreed an email will be sent to all members to request that an email is sent to KM with a list of problematic roads that he and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

Andrew Gunther (AG) attended to provide an update on active travel/LCWIP. AG displayed presentation on the screen and provide some highlights of the report.

£107k of active travel funding is going to be received from the Department of Transport and a plan is going to be worked on, on how this is going to be spent throughout this year. AG advised that Torbay Council is working with Sustrans to help to promote active travel.

Mike Elm from Sustrans attended the meeting and he provided an update on the Liveable Town Scheme that Sustrans is promoting for Torbay in conjunction with Torbay Council.

CL commented that the feedback that he has received from residents in his ward is that they would like signage to be introduced and enforcement to be carried out in the areas.

NA updated that the concerns from residents within her ward is loss of parking spaces at Hollicombe and cycle paths being introduced.

JO’D asked for information with regards to cyclists who would be using the road around the Redcliffe Hotel with the changes of the highway code. AG commented that pedestrians and cyclists have greater priority on the road and that Torbay Council are looking at widening the pathway within this area.

JO’D asked if there are any improved changes for pedestrians and cyclists over the new railway bridge on Torbay Road. IJ advised that the size and the width is the same as before so unfortunately the scheme will be unable to improve access. 

AG advised that he would send out the slides to all for their information. ACTION – AG

AL provided an update on EV charging. AL displayed a report showing the number of electric vehicles being used within Torbay. Torbay’s figures are currently below other neighbouring areas.

AL showed a location map of the current charging points that are available to residents to use when out and about. There are plans for 12 additional sites to be introduced within Torbay. Torbay Council is working with other local authorities and have successfully applied for funding to introduce new EV Charging points. A tender process has started to appoint the successful contractor for this scheme.

AL advised that he is working with the ERBID to enquire as to how many tourists visiting the area are using electric vehicles.   

CJ asked if there will be a charge within Torbay Council car parks to use the charging facility and who will maintain the facility. AL commented that the charge will be applied by the contractor and the details of how this will work will be agreed with the successful contractor.

CL asked if AL is aware if it is cheaper to charge vehicles at home or at a public charging location. AL commented at present it is cheaper to charge at home but with the rise in electricity costs, it is difficult to say how this will continue. SL asked if there is any legislation on cables being left on the public highway by people charging their cars as this may cause accidents. IJ commented that it is an offence to trail cables on the public highway so there could be more examples of this happening in the future and may have to look at how this can be enforced.

JO’D asked if it is stated within the contract that the electric for the charging points is going to be green electric and not coal powered. AL advised that he will look at the paperwork and then can provide an update – ACTION – AL

CL asked with the change of the Highway code, if it is an offence to park a car on part of the pavement. IJ advised that it is an offence but can only be enforced by the police and will only be enforced by the police if it is found to be an obstruction.