Minutes of the Highways Committee Meeting

25 August 2021, 7.00pm

Held in the Community Centre, King Georges Avenue, Leiston

Present: Cllr John Last BEM (Chairman)

Cllr Selena Levermore

Cllr Phil Harle

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr David Bailey

Cllr Colin Ginger

Cllr David Morsley

Mr Peter Sparrow – Suffolk Highways

Mrs Caroline Rinder (Town Clerk)

	Action
1. PUBLIC FORUM No members of the public were in attendance.
2. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Cllr Corbett and County Cllr Haworth-Culf.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 9 JUNE 2021 It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed that the minutes were a true record.
4. MATTERS ARISING Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – The posts have been removed off the green space. Red House Lane Mini Roundabouts – Mrs Rinder notified Mr Smith of the decision that the proposals would not be taken forward. 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 Solar Speed Sign – Mr Sparrow confirmed Highways have no issues with solar powered devices and could be an option for the future. Footpath 8 Stocks Fair Fence Line – Mrs Rinder confirmed ESC Planning Enforcement team are investigating the planning permissions for the structure and fencing elements and working with the Rights of Way team on the footpath encroachment. Mrs Rinder will update in due course. Flooding Issues on the B1119 Saxmundham Road Update – Mr Sparrow advised the Drainage Team are working on the scheme to deliver in 2022/23 and will update with further details in due course. Drainage Covers, Aldeburgh Road – Mr Sparrow had reported these covers and referred to Anglian Water for action. Cllr Last also mentioned a cover near Poppy Way and Cllr Levermore queried the gulleys in Haylings Road which were full of vegetation. Mr Sparrow advised for these to be reported on the Highways reporting tool. Cllr Harle mentioned he had reported the gulleys in Kings Road recently with drainage issues and Mr Sparrow will investigate further.	Highways CR Highways JL/SL Highways
5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE Mrs Rinder confirmed the pedestrian survey had been completed which identified a zebra crossing was viable. It was disappointing that the vehicle/speed survey was not undertaken at the same time and Mr Sparrow confirmed this would be conducted in September, date to be confirmed. If the survey results meet the criteria, the next step would be the design phase and once agreed a 14 week lead in time for delivery of the scheme. Cllr Levermore asked if the hedging alongside the Catholic Church could be removed and replaced with fencing. Mrs Rinder advised the hedge belongs to the Church and this could be something we look at in the future if the hedge is deemed a visibility hazard for the zebra crossing.	Highways
6. CHARLES ADAMS CLOSE YELLOW LINING Mrs Rinder confirmed she had written to the primary school regarding parents parking in Charles Adams Close and had requested the Parking Inspector to regularly visit the site. Mr Sparrow confirmed costs for single yellow lining would be approx £7,000. There are already double yellow lines at the junction into the site. Single yellow lining would stop motorists parking from 8am-6pm. It was also noted similar issues at Paxton Chadwick Close. After some discussion Cllr Bailey suggested yellow lining could be included with the current traffic and transport proposals as the traffic orders can cover several roads. On a proposal from Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey it was agreed to defer consideration for the time being.
7. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING UPDATE A quote of £773.04 (inc VAT) had been received to renew three ‘slow’ road markings and the two warning signs would be changed over at Suffolk Highways expense at the same time. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to recommend this to Council for approval.	Council
8. LOVER’S LANE SPEED LIMIT Mr Sparrow will get the signage removed as the temporary speed limit is no longer in place. Mr Sparrow advised a speed limit had been considered along this road several times but it did not meet the criteria to justify a lower speed limit. If requested, a report could be written for Cllr Smith and the Head of Transport Strategy to consider (at a cost of approx. £1,200 to LTC), which would assess the route against the criteria for a 40mph speed limit. It is unlikely that the report would recommend that the criteria has been met to justify a 40mph speed limit. However, with the possibility of Sizewell C there is an expectation of a temporary speed limit which could give a stronger case for this to be made permanent. After a short discussion it was agreed to leave this for now. Cllr Ginger queried the ‘no right turn’ aspect and Mr Sparrow will check this and report back.	Highways Highways
9. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES Mrs Rinder confirmed Flagship were on board with the proposed cycle route. Mr Sparrow advised the green space belongs to Highways and is liaising with Steve Merry to cost the installation of 2 long laybys either side of Arnhem Road junction as part of the transport strategy. It is envisaged to be a significant cost.	Highways
10. RED HOUSE LANE JUNCTION Mr Sparrow has put forward a request for an estimate to reconfigure the junction to allow buses to negotiate the entrance when turning in/out and allow better visibility for pedestrians on safety grounds. Cllr Levermore confirmed she had previously spoken with Steve Merry who advised Highways had made an error on this junction and she felt LTC should not have to pay to correct it. Mr Sparrow will liaise with Steve Merry on this.	Highways
11. ASHFIELD DRIVE ROADS/PATHS/WHITE LINING Cllr Harle asked about the surface dressing in Ashfield Drive. Mr Sparrow advised several roads in Leiston were being resurfaced this week and Cllr Harle confirmed he had received notification it would be tomorrow.
12. RAILWAY CROSSING TO CROWN FARM CORNER ROAD CONDITION Cllr Harle reported the road surface from the Railway Crossing to Crown Farm Corner was in a very bad condition. Mr Sparrow confirmed it was last inspected on 28 June and is on the list for surface dressing next year. He advised to report any issues on the reporting tool. Cllr Ginger also raised concerns regarding the while lining at Crown Farm junction which Mrs Rinder will report.	PH CR
13. ABBEY ROAD ROAD CONDITION Cllr Last raised concerns regarding the condition of Abbey Road near the Lover’s Lane junction. Cllr Levermore agreed and felt the surface was dangerous to cyclists and will report this on the reporting tool.	SL
14. ROAD SIGNAGE VISIBILITY Cllr Last commented some road signs are not visible due to the overgrown vegetation. Mr Sparrow agreed this was an ongoing problem and suggested reporting these issues on the reporting tool.	JL
15. LEISTON LEISURE CENTRE ENTRANCE Cllr Last raised concerns regarding a near miss with a bus pulling out of the Leisure Centre car park with a motorist driving past. It was suggested a stop sign instead of give way be installed so drivers exiting the car park have to wait for vehicles to go past. Cars also park opposite the entrance to the Leisure Centre which creates difficulties for the bus drivers to negotiate the turning and it was suggested double yellow lines be installed to stop cars parking there. Mrs Rinder will contact East Suffolk Council and ask if they would be willing to look at funding a new sign and yellow lining.	CR
16. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS No further works planned at present.
17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Snape Crossroads Signage Cllr Hill raised concerns with a road closed sign on turning left into Snape which was positioned too close to the junction which they nearly drove into, with no previous warnings on the Highway that the road ahead was closed. Mr Sparrow advised this particular instance was an emergency closure but the sign should have been positioned better. Haylings Road Pedestrian Crossing Cllr Levermore raised concerns that the beacon lights were not bright enough and motorists were unaware of the crossing and the faded lining. Mr Sparrow advised to report both online. Sizewell Cycle Path Cllr Harle advised the vegetation was encroaching on the cycle path to Sizewell and had previously reported this but it didn’t meet intervention level. Mr Sparrow advised these levels are currently under review but if the standard width is met no action will be taken. Cllr Harle felt this was a safety issue mainly for cyclists and Mr Sparrow will investigate further. White Lining Cllr Bailey asked why the white lining doesn’t last long. Mr Sparrow advised specialised material is used for lining but to report any faded lining through the reporting tool. Lover’s Lane Layby Cllr Ginger reported the white lining of the layby on the north side needed refreshing and on the bends by the laboratory. Mrs Rinder will report online. Minden Drive Cllr Morsley asked when Minden Drive would be resurfaced and Mr Sparrow advised this is due to be done soon once the water leak has been repaired. St Margaret’s Crescent Cllr Ginger raised concerns for children’s safety on scooters on the first sharp bend after turning into the Crescent with motorists driving in. This is at the entrance to where the new housing development is planned. Mr Sparrow will investigate further	SL Highways CR Highways
18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 9 November 2021, 7.00pm.
Meeting closed at 8.55pm

Action

1. PUBLIC FORUM

No members of the public were in attendance.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllr Corbett and County Cllr Haworth-Culf.

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 9 JUNE 2021

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

4. MATTERS ARISING

Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – The posts have been removed off the green space.

Red House Lane Mini Roundabouts – Mrs Rinder notified Mr Smith of the decision that the proposals would not be taken forward.

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

Solar Speed Sign – Mr Sparrow confirmed Highways have no issues with solar powered devices and could be an option for the future.

Footpath 8 Stocks Fair Fence Line – Mrs Rinder confirmed ESC Planning Enforcement team are investigating the planning permissions for the structure and fencing elements and working with the Rights of Way team on the footpath encroachment. Mrs Rinder will update in due course.

Flooding Issues on the B1119 Saxmundham Road Update – Mr Sparrow advised the Drainage Team are working on the scheme to deliver in 2022/23 and will update with further details in due course.

Drainage Covers, Aldeburgh Road – Mr Sparrow had reported these covers and referred to Anglian Water for action. Cllr Last also mentioned a cover near Poppy Way and Cllr Levermore queried the gulleys in Haylings Road which were full of vegetation. Mr Sparrow advised for these to be reported on the Highways reporting tool. Cllr Harle mentioned he had reported the gulleys in Kings Road recently with drainage issues and Mr Sparrow will investigate further.

Highways

JL/SL

Highways

5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE

Mrs Rinder confirmed the pedestrian survey had been completed which identified a zebra crossing was viable. It was disappointing that the vehicle/speed survey was not undertaken at the same time and Mr Sparrow confirmed this would be conducted in September, date to be confirmed. If the survey results meet the criteria, the next step would be the design phase and once agreed a 14 week lead in time for delivery of the scheme. Cllr Levermore asked if the hedging alongside the Catholic Church could be removed and replaced with fencing. Mrs Rinder advised the hedge belongs to the Church and this could be something we look at in the future if the hedge is deemed a visibility hazard for the zebra crossing.

Highways

6. CHARLES ADAMS CLOSE YELLOW LINING

Mrs Rinder confirmed she had written to the primary school regarding parents parking in Charles Adams Close and had requested the Parking Inspector to regularly visit the site. Mr Sparrow confirmed costs for single yellow lining would be approx £7,000. There are already double yellow lines at the junction into the site. Single yellow lining would stop motorists parking from 8am-6pm. It was also noted similar issues at Paxton Chadwick Close. After some discussion Cllr Bailey suggested yellow lining could be included with the current traffic and transport proposals as the traffic orders can cover several roads. On a proposal from Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey it was agreed to defer consideration for the time being.

7. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING UPDATE

A quote of £773.04 (inc VAT) had been received to renew three ‘slow’ road markings and the two warning signs would be changed over at Suffolk Highways expense at the same time. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to recommend this to Council for approval.

Council

8. LOVER’S LANE SPEED LIMIT

Mr Sparrow will get the signage removed as the temporary speed limit is no longer in place. Mr Sparrow advised a speed limit had been considered along this road several times but it did not meet the criteria to justify a lower speed limit. If requested, a report could be written for Cllr Smith and the Head of Transport Strategy to consider (at a cost of approx. £1,200 to LTC), which would assess the route against the criteria for a 40mph speed limit. It is unlikely that the report would recommend that the criteria has been met to justify a 40mph speed limit. However, with the possibility of Sizewell C there is an expectation of a temporary speed limit which could give a stronger case for this to be made permanent. After a short discussion it was agreed to leave this for now. Cllr Ginger queried the ‘no right turn’ aspect and Mr Sparrow will check this and report back.

Highways

9. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES

Mrs Rinder confirmed Flagship were on board with the proposed cycle route. Mr Sparrow advised the green space belongs to Highways and is liaising with Steve Merry to cost the installation of 2 long laybys either side of Arnhem Road junction as part of the transport strategy. It is envisaged to be a significant cost.

Highways

10. RED HOUSE LANE JUNCTION

Mr Sparrow has put forward a request for an estimate to reconfigure the junction to allow buses to negotiate the entrance when turning in/out and allow better visibility for pedestrians on safety grounds. Cllr Levermore confirmed she had previously spoken with Steve Merry who advised Highways had made an error on this junction and she felt LTC should not have to pay to correct it. Mr Sparrow will liaise with Steve Merry on this.

Highways

11. ASHFIELD DRIVE ROADS/PATHS/WHITE LINING

Cllr Harle asked about the surface dressing in Ashfield Drive. Mr Sparrow advised several roads in Leiston were being resurfaced this week and Cllr Harle confirmed he had received notification it would be tomorrow.

12. RAILWAY CROSSING TO CROWN FARM CORNER ROAD CONDITION

Cllr Harle reported the road surface from the Railway Crossing to Crown Farm Corner was in a very bad condition. Mr Sparrow confirmed it was last inspected on 28 June and is on the list for surface dressing next year. He advised to report any issues on the reporting tool. Cllr Ginger also raised concerns regarding the while lining at Crown Farm junction which Mrs Rinder will report.

13. ABBEY ROAD ROAD CONDITION

Cllr Last raised concerns regarding the condition of Abbey Road near the Lover’s Lane junction. Cllr Levermore agreed and felt the surface was dangerous to cyclists and will report this on the reporting tool.

14. ROAD SIGNAGE VISIBILITY

Cllr Last commented some road signs are not visible due to the overgrown vegetation. Mr Sparrow agreed this was an ongoing problem and suggested reporting these issues on the reporting tool.

15. LEISTON LEISURE CENTRE ENTRANCE

Cllr Last raised concerns regarding a near miss with a bus pulling out of the Leisure Centre car park with a motorist driving past. It was suggested a stop sign instead of give way be installed so drivers exiting the car park have to wait for vehicles to go past. Cars also park opposite the entrance to the Leisure Centre which creates difficulties for the bus drivers to negotiate the turning and it was suggested double yellow lines be installed to stop cars parking there. Mrs Rinder will contact East Suffolk Council and ask if they would be willing to look at funding a new sign and yellow lining.

16. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS

No further works planned at present.

17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Snape Crossroads Signage

Cllr Hill raised concerns with a road closed sign on turning left into Snape which was positioned too close to the junction which they nearly drove into, with no previous warnings on the Highway that the road ahead was closed. Mr Sparrow advised this particular instance was an emergency closure but the sign should have been positioned better.

Haylings Road Pedestrian Crossing

Cllr Levermore raised concerns that the beacon lights were not bright enough and motorists were unaware of the crossing and the faded lining. Mr Sparrow advised to report both online.

Sizewell Cycle Path

Cllr Harle advised the vegetation was encroaching on the cycle path to Sizewell and had previously reported this but it didn’t meet intervention level. Mr Sparrow advised these levels are currently under review but if the standard width is met no action will be taken. Cllr Harle felt this was a safety issue mainly for cyclists and Mr Sparrow will investigate further.

White Lining

Cllr Bailey asked why the white lining doesn’t last long. Mr Sparrow advised specialised material is used for lining but to report any faded lining through the reporting tool.

Lover’s Lane Layby

Cllr Ginger reported the white lining of the layby on the north side needed refreshing and on the bends by the laboratory. Mrs Rinder will report online.

Minden Drive

Cllr Morsley asked when Minden Drive would be resurfaced and Mr Sparrow advised this is due to be done soon once the water leak has been repaired.

St Margaret’s Crescent

Cllr Ginger raised concerns for children’s safety on scooters on the first sharp bend after turning into the Crescent with motorists driving in. This is at the entrance to where the new housing development is planned. Mr Sparrow will investigate further

Highways

18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 9 November 2021, 7.00pm.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm