Minutes of the Highways Committee Meeting

9 June 2021, 7.00pm

Held in the Community Centre, King Georges Avenue, Leiston

Present: Cllr John Last BEM (Chairman)

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr Colin Ginger

Cllr Tony Cooper

Cllr David Morsley

Mr Peter Sparrow – Suffolk Highways

Mrs Caroline Rinder (Town Clerk)

Mrs Rinder welcomed and introduced Peter Sparrow, Community Liaison Engineer to the meeting.

	Action
1. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed to appoint Cllr Last as Chairman for the coming year.
2. PUBLIC FORUM No members of the public were in attendance.
3. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Cllr Harle, Cllr Corbett, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Levermore.
4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 9 FEBRUARY 2021 It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed that the minutes were a true record.
5. MATTERS ARISING Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – Cllr Hill noted the posts for the non-existent parking signs were still on the green space. Mrs Rinder will contact Flagship and ask for them to be removed. Red House Lane Junction – Further to a site visit on 2 June with Mr Sparrow regarding the visibility issues for pedestrians when crossing this junction (from Aldringham), Mr Sparrow has raised this with the Asset Manager for Footways/Carriageways. He also suggested bringing the radius in to help buses negotiate the junction when turning in/out, which would reconfigure the junction to allow for better visibility and hence deal with the current safety issues for pedestrians. At the site meeting it had been noted that the hedge had been cut back. Cllr Morsley also suggested asking the owner of the hedge to cut it back further to aid better visibility. Charles Adams Close Parking Issues – Mrs Rinder advised that Flagship did not want to take any further action regarding the issues raised by one of their residents. It is mainly during school drop off/pick up times where these problems occur. Mr Sparrow confirmed the highway was theirs and suggested single yellow lining would stop motorists parking from 8am-6pm and would investigate costs. Councillors did raise concerns regarding safety issues for the children attending the school and Cllr Hill suggested a letter be written to the school requesting a letter be sent to parents not to park in Charles Adams Close with an emphasis on health and safety for both residents and children and use the Community Centre car park if they couldn’t walk or cycle. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed for Mrs Rinder to write to the school and to also ask Parking Enforcement teams to regularly check the site. Limetree Avenue Parking Issues – Mrs Rinder advised that Flagship did not want to take any further action on this issue.	CR Highways CR
6. RED HOUSE LANE – SUGGESTION FOR MINI ROUNDABOUTS Mr Smith had sent an email requesting mini roundabouts be installed at both junctions with Garrett Crescent as he felt vehicles still speed along that road. Unfortunately, Mr Smith had declined an invitation to attend the Highways Committee to present his proposal. A speed survey had been undertaken in October last year which showed 85% of traffic kept to 32mph or under with an average speed of 26mph. After a short discussion, it was agreed there is no need for mini roundabouts and this proposal would not be taken forward. Mrs Rinder will notify Mr Smith.	CR
7. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE Mrs Rinder confirmed a vehicle/pedestrian survey is taking place this week. Mr Sparrow will feedback the results when available and advise if a pedestrian crossing is viable at this site.	Highways
8. HIGH STREET BUS STOP UPDATE Due to emergency works in March, this work was postponed and will be rescheduled in the autumn. Dates to be confirmed.	Highways
9. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING UPDATE It was previously noted the ‘Level Crossing Ahead’ sign should be illuminated and not the ‘Road Humps’ sign to concur with the regulations. The ‘slow’ markings also need refreshing and Mr Sparrow will obtain a quote for the lining and the sign changes could then be done at the same time.	Highways
10. SOLAR SPEED SIGN Cllr Morsley suggested a solar speed sign may be an idea for the future, to avoid having to regularly change batteries as we currently do with the existing signs. Mr Sparrow will investigate if Highways approve of these solar signs.	Highways
11. LOVER’S LANE SPEED LIMIT This has been looked at several times in the past and unfortunately we do not meet the criteria for a permanent speed limit, even with the support of both power stations. Mr Sparrow explained a temporary Traffic Order is in place for safety aspects with the new appointments system at the recycling centre. He will check with the speed and safety team when this is due to be changed and also if the ‘no right turn’ is part of the temporary order. It was noted the signage around the site is very haphazard and Mr Sparrow will report this to the contractor.	Highways Highways
12. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES A site visit took place on 2 June with Flagship and Mr Sparrow to look at options for parking. It had been suggested 2 long laybys either side of Arnhem Road junction, which could hold 7/8 cars each would help alleviate the parking problems and also the area between the parking bays on the other side of the road could hold 3/4 cars. The proposed cycle route, which is part of the Council’s traffic and transport proposals, would then use some of the green space area and Flagship were supportive and will seek further support from their Assets Team. Mr Sparrow advised that the costs would be considerable due to the utilities under the verges having to be moved or dug deeper and he will investigate costs and report back.	Highways
13. FOOTPATH 8 – STOCKS FAIR FENCE LINE Mrs Rinder advised the Rights of Way officer is still trying to contact Stocks regarding the footpath and will try again this week with new contact numbers. The trip hazards in the area have been dealt with, it is the footpath definitive line that needs to be clarified and Mrs Rinder will report back in due course.	CR
14. FOOTPATH 16 ALONGSIDE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL Report and quotes previously circulated. Mrs Rinder advised the project would take 10/14 days and would involve the footpath being closed, so advisable to have this done during the school holidays. Those households backing onto the path would be informed of this closure so they could make alternative plans for parking their vehicles. This path does form part of the cycle strategy plans and if Sizewell C does go ahead this path would be resurfaced at that point anyway. After a short discussion it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to recommend to Council that TMS Groundsworks Ltd be given the project to tarmac the path at a cost of £11,798.40 (inc VAT). Note: After the vote had taken place, Cllr Cooper advised that the properties backing onto the path do own half the path to the centre line, so if this is approved at Council, permission would need to be obtained from each household for the works to be done.	Council
15. FLOODING ISSUES ON THE B1119 SAXMUNDHAM ROAD UPDATE Mr Sparrow confirmed all the pipes had been jetted and the gullies cleared which has helped to some degree but the ditch work still needs to be done and agreement with the landowner is being sought. The Drainage Team are currently working on the scheme and have scheduled the work to be done in 2022/23. Mr Sparrow will update with any further details in due course.	Highways
16. ROAD CLOSURE SIGNS AT KNODISHALL Cllr Last commented that a recent diversion route took him through further road works in Aldeburgh. Mr Sparrow explained that this sometimes happens but try to avoid it where possible.
17. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS No further major works planned at present.
18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Drainage Covers, Aldeburgh Road Cllr Hill reported 2 drainage covers were loose and made a lot of noise when vehicles passed over them. Mr Sparrow will report them.	Highways
19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 10 August 2021, 7.00pm.
Meeting closed at 8.55pm

Action

1. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed to appoint Cllr Last as Chairman for the coming year.

2. PUBLIC FORUM

No members of the public were in attendance.

3. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllr Harle, Cllr Corbett, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Levermore.

4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 9 FEBRUARY 2021

It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed that the minutes were a true record.

5. MATTERS ARISING

Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – Cllr Hill noted the posts for the non-existent parking signs were still on the green space. Mrs Rinder will contact Flagship and ask for them to be removed.

Red House Lane Junction – Further to a site visit on 2 June with Mr Sparrow regarding the visibility issues for pedestrians when crossing this junction (from Aldringham), Mr Sparrow has raised this with the Asset Manager for Footways/Carriageways. He also suggested bringing the radius in to help buses negotiate the junction when turning in/out, which would reconfigure the junction to allow for better visibility and hence deal with the current safety issues for pedestrians. At the site meeting it had been noted that the hedge had been cut back. Cllr Morsley also suggested asking the owner of the hedge to cut it back further to aid better visibility.

Charles Adams Close Parking Issues – Mrs Rinder advised that Flagship did not want to take any further action regarding the issues raised by one of their residents. It is mainly during school drop off/pick up times where these problems occur. Mr Sparrow confirmed the highway was theirs and suggested single yellow lining would stop motorists parking from 8am-6pm and would investigate costs. Councillors did raise concerns regarding safety issues for the children attending the school and Cllr Hill suggested a letter be written to the school requesting a letter be sent to parents not to park in Charles Adams Close with an emphasis on health and safety for both residents and children and use the Community Centre car park if they couldn’t walk or cycle. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed for Mrs Rinder to write to the school and to also ask Parking Enforcement teams to regularly check the site.

Limetree Avenue Parking Issues – Mrs Rinder advised that Flagship did not want to take any further action on this issue.

Highways

6. RED HOUSE LANE – SUGGESTION FOR MINI ROUNDABOUTS

Mr Smith had sent an email requesting mini roundabouts be installed at both junctions with Garrett Crescent as he felt vehicles still speed along that road. Unfortunately, Mr Smith had declined an invitation to attend the Highways Committee to present his proposal. A speed survey had been undertaken in October last year which showed 85% of traffic kept to 32mph or under with an average speed of 26mph. After a short discussion, it was agreed there is no need for mini roundabouts and this proposal would not be taken forward. Mrs Rinder will notify Mr Smith.

7. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE

Mrs Rinder confirmed a vehicle/pedestrian survey is taking place this week. Mr Sparrow will feedback the results when available and advise if a pedestrian crossing is viable at this site.

Highways

8. HIGH STREET BUS STOP UPDATE

Due to emergency works in March, this work was postponed and will be rescheduled in the autumn. Dates to be confirmed.

Highways

9. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING UPDATE

It was previously noted the ‘Level Crossing Ahead’ sign should be illuminated and not the ‘Road Humps’ sign to concur with the regulations. The ‘slow’ markings also need refreshing and Mr Sparrow will obtain a quote for the lining and the sign changes could then be done at the same time.

Highways

10. SOLAR SPEED SIGN

Cllr Morsley suggested a solar speed sign may be an idea for the future, to avoid having to regularly change batteries as we currently do with the existing signs. Mr Sparrow will investigate if Highways approve of these solar signs.

Highways

11. LOVER’S LANE SPEED LIMIT

This has been looked at several times in the past and unfortunately we do not meet the criteria for a permanent speed limit, even with the support of both power stations. Mr Sparrow explained a temporary Traffic Order is in place for safety aspects with the new appointments system at the recycling centre. He will check with the speed and safety team when this is due to be changed and also if the ‘no right turn’ is part of the temporary order. It was noted the signage around the site is very haphazard and Mr Sparrow will report this to the contractor.

Highways

12. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES

A site visit took place on 2 June with Flagship and Mr Sparrow to look at options for parking. It had been suggested 2 long laybys either side of Arnhem Road junction, which could hold 7/8 cars each would help alleviate the parking problems and also the area between the parking bays on the other side of the road could hold 3/4 cars. The proposed cycle route, which is part of the Council’s traffic and transport proposals, would then use some of the green space area and Flagship were supportive and will seek further support from their Assets Team. Mr Sparrow advised that the costs would be considerable due to the utilities under the verges having to be moved or dug deeper and he will investigate costs and report back.

Highways

13. FOOTPATH 8 – STOCKS FAIR FENCE LINE

Mrs Rinder advised the Rights of Way officer is still trying to contact Stocks regarding the footpath and will try again this week with new contact numbers. The trip hazards in the area have been dealt with, it is the footpath definitive line that needs to be clarified and Mrs Rinder will report back in due course.

14. FOOTPATH 16 ALONGSIDE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Report and quotes previously circulated. Mrs Rinder advised the project would take 10/14 days and would involve the footpath being closed, so advisable to have this done during the school holidays. Those households backing onto the path would be informed of this closure so they could make alternative plans for parking their vehicles. This path does form part of the cycle strategy plans and if Sizewell C does go ahead this path would be resurfaced at that point anyway. After a short discussion it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to recommend to Council that TMS Groundsworks Ltd be given the project to tarmac the path at a cost of £11,798.40 (inc VAT).

Note: After the vote had taken place, Cllr Cooper advised that the properties backing onto the path do own half the path to the centre line, so if this is approved at Council, permission would need to be obtained from each household for the works to be done.

Council

15. FLOODING ISSUES ON THE B1119 SAXMUNDHAM ROAD UPDATE

Mr Sparrow confirmed all the pipes had been jetted and the gullies cleared which has helped to some degree but the ditch work still needs to be done and agreement with the landowner is being sought. The Drainage Team are currently working on the scheme and have scheduled the work to be done in 2022/23. Mr Sparrow will update with any further details in due course.

Highways

16. ROAD CLOSURE SIGNS AT KNODISHALL

Cllr Last commented that a recent diversion route took him through further road works in Aldeburgh. Mr Sparrow explained that this sometimes happens but try to avoid it where possible.

17. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS

No further major works planned at present.

18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Drainage Covers, Aldeburgh Road

Cllr Hill reported 2 drainage covers were loose and made a lot of noise when vehicles passed over them. Mr Sparrow will report them.

Highways

19. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 10 August 2021, 7.00pm.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm