Apologies were received from Councillor Amil.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 19 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of the Working Party held on 19 October 2023 were confirmed as a correct record. 

Councillor Billings ran through the actions from the last meeting and updates were provided as follows –

·         Susie Hayman advised that there was no further update regarding Kilmorie Car Park and she was awaiting to receive a progress update from the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust.  Councillor Billings advised that himself and Susie are working on a plan B if the transfer of the car park was not completed with TCCT.

·         Ian Jones explained that the advice had not changed since the last meeting.  The permanent enforceable speed limits, no flashing lights can be implemented there.  If the 20 mph zones were progressed, there was a possibility of additional flashing light or Vehicle activated signage that could be introduced.  However each site needs to be looked at, on its own individual merit. 

ACTION – Ian Jones to look at the introduction of flashing or vehicle activated signage within the proposed 20 mph zones if appropriate. 

The Working Party received an update on the proposed introduction of Controlled Parking Zones Policy for 2024 from Susie Hayman and Ian Jones.

The proposal was to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)/Residents Parking Policy. This Policy would provide the basis on when it was appropriate to consult with residents for the implementation of a CPZ.

All new controlled/residents parking schemes were required to be self-funding for their implementation and continued costs for running the schemes. There was also a requirement for a percentage of residents to purchase these permits annually or the scheme will cease. Highways design the Scheme with Parking Services supporting with the Traffic Regulation process and issuing the permits and enforcing the restrictions within the CPZ once the scheme was implemented.

ACTION – Officers and Councillor Billings to further discuss the Policy in regard to the re wording of the proposed restriction to areas that have more than 50% of properties within a zone with off street parking, to ensure that areas which may be deemed as exceptional cases could be included and discuss further with Councillors George Darling and Cowell, once a proposed amendment is prepared.

The Working Party received an update from Ian Jones regarding the proposed implementation of 20 mph zones outside of schools on main traffic routes within Torbay and the proposed revised strategy. 

The views of Working Party were sought in respect of proposed change of Strategy in the progression and implementation of 20mph zones in Torbay and to the proposed extents of zones.

Members were invited to consider the following options:

·         Option 1 –to consider the information within this report and support the progression of 20mph zones to the six school sites, as supported by the Working Party in February 2023 as listed above and detailed on Appendices 1-6 to this report, with the inclusion of the proposed areas designated in red (School zone) and blue (potential expanded zone) on the plans, where included, in the priority order listed

·         Option 2 – As Option 1 but with the progression of areas designated in red (School Zone) only.

·         Option 3 – To not progress this revised strategy and revert to continuation of the Strategy agreed in May 2018.

The support of the Transport and Parking Working Party was sought for the following proposed outcome:

1.    That, following the implementation of the current schemes for the

Queensway area, Torquay and the Fisher Street Area, Paignton, the remaining locations, as detailed in the Strategy for the Implementation of 20mph Zones within Residential Areas, as supported by the Transport Working Party in May 2018 are not progressed further at the present time, and:

2.    That the six school locations listed in this report with the areas identified in Option 1 to this report were progressed as the basis of the next phase of implementation of residential 20mph zones in Torbay, in liaison with the Cabinet Lead for Pride in Place and Parking, and:

3.    That the additional school locations, identified in Appendix 2 to the February 2023 report to this Working Party are further developed, in liaison with Cabinet Lead for Pride in Place and Parking, as and when resources allow and reported to a future meeting of this Working Party.

The consensus at the end of the discussion was that the remaining Councillors in attendance supported the recommendation, however some amendments were requested to be made to the areas detailed on the plans in Appendices 1-6. 

Resolved

That the Director of Pride in Place be advised that the Transport and Parking Working Party recommend the following:

1.    ‘Option 1’ is amended to reflect the views from the remaining members of the Working Party.

2.    The areas presented in Appendices 1-6 are to be amended where appropriate and progressed as the proposed 20mph zones, the details to be as follows:

·         Appendix 1 – Hayes School (Totnes Road) – Area shown in red on plan supported but with the addition of the length of St Michaels Road from Hayes Road to Fisher Street, but not including any further connecting roads.

·         Appendix 2 – Cockington School (Avenue Road & Mill Lane areas) – Area shown in red, supported.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

·         Crown & Anchor Way, Paignton – resident access only

·         Wellswood Traffic calming 

Crown and Anchor Way – Alan Denby explained to the Working Party that a resident had purchased a plot of land within Crown and Anchor Way and had contacted Councillors with a request for the area to be classed as no access due to the speeding of drivers using the road.  Councillor Penny commented that he believes that a restriction should be introduced to the size of vehicles using the area.  All members agreed with this suggestion. 

ACTION – Ian Jones to review the area as to what restrictions or additional signage for vehicles could be implemented. 

Wellswood Traffic calming – Alan Denby explained that a request has been received from the Wellswood Community partnership to introduce traffic calming measures into both Parkhill Road and Ilsham Road.  Ian Jones explained that there was no data to show concerns in these roads regarding collisions and some speed data analysis would be carried out in the area.  Councillor Billings suggested that an idea could be to discuss introducing some signage for motorists highlighting 20 mph zones. 

ACTION – Councillor Bye to provide further information to Alan Denby and Ian Jones on the issues being experienced by residents. 

The Working party received an update from Adam Luscombe on the ZEBRA bid that had been submitted for Torbay for all Stagecoach buses operating in Torbay to be electric and notification of the outcome was expected to be received in March 2024.