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Council minutes, agendas and reports

Agenda item

Highways England Update

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed Simon Brown from Highways England (HE) to the meeting, and he introduced his report, which provided an update on a list of ongoing schemes across the constituency area.  In particular, he highlighted:

·          The steps taken to make road-sweeping work easier and more effective, including the removal of hardened material from along the side of key roads;

·          The replacement of old assets e.g. worn out road pavements and drainage improvements;

·          Improvements to the design of some roads;

·          as part of its funding settlement for the current road period, HE had received designated monies from central Government for specific works - He suggested Members may like to consider submitting expressions of interest for environmental improvement work;

·          HE were in the early stages of forming a forward programme for safety and small improvement schemes, which were a national priority for HE with regional solutions being compared to proposed schemes in other parts of the country; 

·          A number of schemes recently completed in the area, and a number of overnight closures still required in coming weeks to address some residual works associated with those schemes;

·          The A64 village gateway scheme – In response to the questions about speed limits and the scheme’s effect on the local road network etc,, he confirmed the local road network was the responsibility of the local Highway Authority; 

·          Some detailed studies were underway to look at the best way forward for closing gaps along the lower part of the A19, in response to a number of tragic accidents associated with attempts to cross the highway;

·          A road safety audit had recently been carried out for the A64 Scotchman Lane works and another was due to take place at Barton Hill, once some collision data became available.  He noted this was a long term activity (over 3-5yrs) with a 12-month check for side effects as the first step; 

·          An average speed camera scheme had been assessed and would be undertaken subject to a successful funding bid;

·          Work in regard to commercial vehicle activity, was also under consideration, in support of the Police;

·          Plans were being developed for the Hopgrove junction and the stretch of the A64 up to Barton-le-Willow.  The scheme, part of HE’s 2025-30 Development Plan, would improve congestion and road safety, and support the local economy. It was noted that this was one of 32 developments in the pipeline to be considered by the government as part of future road investment strategies, with the aim of the A64 Hopgrove options being identified by the end of  2022/23 for proposal submission to government;

 

Finally, in regard to Development Control, Simon Brown confirmed HE had worked with the applicants on the design proposals for the Catterick motorway service area development, and for the proposed crematorium at Sand Hutton, which had resulted in the removal of HE’s objections for both those planning applications.

 

In response to questions from County Councillors, Simon Brown confirmed:

·          In regard to speed reduction schemes for side roads coming off the A64, he agreed that ideally HE could have co-ordinated their work better with the local highways team but there had been practical issues that needed responding to quickly.  Richard Marr agreed but stressed individual roads if looked at in isolation might not have met the criteria for lowering the speed.  He noted that a consultation exercise would be required as the first step towards identifying the most appropriate solution for each trunk road.

·          In regard to the diversion of traffic from the A64 on to the Marishes Low Road and the lack of passing places, Simon Brown agreed to investigate the issue and provide written feedback.

·          Litter picking on all-purpose trunk roads was a challenge.  He confirmed HE was responsible for the A64 but the environmental obligations laid with the local transport authority.  However if things developed to where there were safety concerns, HE would intervene.  County Councillor Carl Les asked for further clarification on the point as he had experienced similar issues in regard to the A1M, and Richard Marr confirmed that as a two tier authority, litter picking was the responsibility of District Councils.

 

The Chair thanked Simon Brown for his attendance at the meeting and it was agreed

 

Resolved – That the report be noted.

 

Supporting documents: