Minutes of Meeting of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee held in the Council Chambers, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday 16 November 2006 at 10:30am.
Present:
Mr C King, Mr A I MacDonald, Mr J H Green, Mr G M Smith, Mr S Mackay, Convener (ex-officio), Mr W J Ross, Mr J Connell, Mr R MacIntyre, Mr E C Mackinnon, Mrs A MacLean, Mr B Barclay, Mr J Laing, Mr A M Millar, Mr W Fulton, Mr J Ford, Mr R Lyon, Mr D M Henderson, Mr N A Donald, Mr R Wynd, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr N A Donald, Mr R Wynd, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr A S Park, Mr F D S Black, Mr B M S Dunlop, Mr T MacLennan, Vice Convener (ex-officio), Mr B J Murphy
Non-Members also present:
Mr T C Jackson, Mr A Torrance, Mr R Durham, Mr V MacIver, Mr D W Briggs, Mrs I McCallum, Dr D Alston, Mr I MacDonald, Mr J T MacDonald, Mr W J Smith, Mr A Milne, Mr J N Home, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs G McCreath, Mr W Clark
Officials in attendance:
Mr S MacNaughton, Head of Transport and Infrastructure
Ms T Snow, Head of Business Support
Mr N MacKenzie, Head of Trading Standards
Dr C Clark, Head of Waste Management
Mr M Mitchell, Finance Manager
Mr A Thomson, Head of Environmental Health
Mr R Evans, Roads and Community Works Manager
Mr G Potter, Project Design Manager
Mr D Summers, Transport Development Officer
Mr A Yates, Principal EHO (Food Safety)
Mrs M Fraser, Senior Administration Administrator
Mr J Allison, Principal Administrator, Corporate Services
Miss V Rushton, Administrative Assistant, Corporate Services
Mr H Brindley, Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership
Ms N Coleman, Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership
Mr A Freu, Director of Scot Wilson Ltd
Mr C King in the Chair
Preliminaries
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr S J Shiels; Mr R Balfour; Mr C L Goodman and Mr D R Munro.
2. Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership (HITRANS)
Presentation
During a Presentation made by Officials from HITRANS details were given of the Draft Regional Transport Strategy for the Highlands and Islands. Members were informed of the development of the Regional Transport Partnership (RTP) to date and how it hoped to develop over the coming years. Each partnership was required to draw up a strategy for transport in each region, addressing the needs arising from issues such as demographics, sustainable development and social and economic well being. HITRANS Strategy aimed to enhance the region’s viability by improving the interconnectivity of the whole region to strategic services and destinations. Assessment had been made of the regions transport network, understanding the problems, and the constraints and opportunities of the system. An Action Programme had been prepared detailing the interventions required to improve the system in the short, medium and long term, but the programme to date did not take account the funding that would be needed. The draft document would incorporate comments from each of the constituent authorities and the final version would be submitted to member bodies before being presented to the Scottish Executive in early 2007.
Members welcomed the presentation and during discussion and made the following points:
- the Inverness Trunk Link Road should be given a higher priority on the programme due to the significant impact it would have on routes to, and in, Inverness;
- there was a lack of comment in the Strategy on locally significant networks, and those that did feature had been given a low priority;
- the Republic of Ireland were commencing a large programme of road building and it would be informative to see how they dealt with problems such as the environmental impact which was also an issue in the north of Scotland;
- further discussion would be required as to how HITRANS progressed to a stronger RTP model; and
- it was stressed that this was the first draft of the document, based on information available at the time, and comments were welcome from each of the organisations involved.
The Committee:-
i. NOTED the presentation and that the final version of the Regional Transport
Strategy would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee for
comment before submission to the Scottish Executive; and
ii. AGREED to support the aims and objectives set out by HITRANS.
3. Trunk Link Road Presentation
A presentation was made by Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd, the consultants appointed to consider and develop options for the Inverness Trunk Road Link. An outline of the process was given which explained that Scottish Transport Assessment Guidelines (STAG) appraisals were being undertaken for 18 possible options and the objectives for schemes included an integrated transport provision for all road users. STAG assessments, although complicated, ensured a good standard of practice and a consistent approach to schemes across Scotland, and were required in order to submit a funding bid to the Scottish Executive. It was hoped to present the preferred scheme to the Council in March 2007, followed by further costed details for the scheme by September 2007.
During discussion comment was made on several issues concerning the layout and positioning of the Link Road, and the effect the construction of the road would have on problem traffic areas in Inverness. However, full discussion on the issue could only take place once the preferred scheme was presented to the Committee for consideration. Once detailed final plans had been prepared support could be given to putting the scheme forward for a higher priority in the HITRANS Regional Transport Strategy.
The Committee NOTED the presentation and that the preferred scheme would be presented to Committee for consideration in March, followed by the costed proposals in September 2007.
4. Revenue Budget Monitoring to 30 September 2006
There had been circulated Report No TEC 92/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which set out the revenue monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2006. The projected year end position appeared to be on target, however the flooding events of 26 October 2006 were likely to affect the financial position. An assessment of the full costs and associated works had yet to be completed.
The Committee NOTED the information contained in the report and the attached schedules showing the revenue monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2006.
5. Capital Expenditure Monitoring to 30 September 2006
There had been circulated Report No TEC 93/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which summarised the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2006. It was highlighted that the overspend for 2005/06 had risen to £1.9 million and this would be detailed in a report to be submitted to the Budget Working Group on 7 December 2006.
The Committee NOTED the capital expenditure monitoring position for the period to 30 September 2006.
6. Draft Five Year Capital Programme 2006/07 to 2010/11
There had been circulated Report No TEC 94/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which sought Members approval for the amendments to the agreed programme for 2006/07 to 2009/10 and the proposed programme for year 5 (2010/11). The proposed programme for 2010/11 once agreed, would be submitted to the Budget Working Group for approval. Members were informed of the reasons for amendments to the programme, and although there had been schemes added to the programme, none had been removed.
In response to questions it was explained that the Portree Harbour Project to develop Freight Facilities did not appear as funding did not come from the Capital Programme. Comment was also made that the A832 Slattadale to Gairloch Road (including Kerry Bridge) did not appear in the programme but should be added to Appendix C of the Capital Programme which detailed those schemes that could not be accommodated within the current programme.
The Committee NOTED the draft position of the 2006/07 to 2009/10 Capital Programme and AGREED:-
i. the proposals for the bids to the Budget Working Group for 2006/07 and
2009/10 Capital Programme;
ii. the proposed bid to the Budget Working Group for 2010/11; and
iii. that the A832 Slattadale to Gairloch Road (including Kerry Bridge) be added
to the list of potential projects for the Capital Programme as detailed in
Appendix C to the report.
7. Flooding Update
There had been circulated Report No TEC 95/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which updated Members on recent flooding events which had affected Inverness, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness, and the resultant damage to the road infrastructure.
Members were also reminded of the recent flooding events during October at Drumdevan Road and Cranmore Drive, Inverness which had resulted from the increase in water levels in the neighbouring burns. Substantial repairs and maintenance had been carried out previously as a preventative measure, however further improvements were required. It was recognised that property developers and Scottish Water also had a responsibility to maintain and develop effective water courses and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
The flooding events at the end of October 2006 had resulted in problems at over 100 sites across Highland with around 50 considered to be major incidents. Clean up work was underway at many sites, and ‘emergency’ designated works had already commenced. It was explained that the incident could not have been predicted as the flooding related to small catchment areas, combined with the super-saturation condition of the land immediately prior to heavy and prolonged rainfall.
It was considered that due to the effects of global warming, the occurrence of severe flooding was likely to increase, and although flood alleviation measures were being investigated for several areas, a further problem was the unpredictable nature of the events. The overall cost to Council Services and other bodies, such as rail and trunk road providers, had yet to be quantified, but was considered to be substantial.
During discussion the following points were made:-
- several Members whose wards had been affected by the flooding conveyed their thanks to Council and emergency services staff as well as landowners for their efforts to alleviate the situation;
- comment was made on the length of time required to implement a flood prevention order and the complexities surrounding the legislation;
- a report should be compiled detailing the cost of the flooding to all bodies affected;
- a meeting should be sought with the Scottish Executive, Rhona Brankin, Depute Minister for Environment and Rural Development and Tom Macabe, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform to present a report on the extent of the flooding events and the full cost of the damage caused and the re-structural works;
- Members recognised that climate change had often unpredictable effects on weather systems, but it was felt more could be done at a local level to maintain ditches and culverts etc, to alleviate potential causes of flooding.
- as winter weather conditions diversify, the TEC Services winter maintenance programme should be revised to include the additional provision for likelihood of flooding;
- a programme for ditch and culvert clearing as well as water course maintenance should be developed and submitted to Area Committers for consideration; and
- concern was expressed over the responsibility of landowners for ensuring trees adjacent to roads were removed to prevent trees falling, or slipping, onto roads during bad weather, particularly when staff responding to emergencies were being put at risk, and the safe removal of fallen trees from the roadside and adjoining land.
The Committee NOTED the status of the Flood Prevention Order for the South West Inverness Flood Relief Scheme and at Caol, Fort William, and the efforts made by officials to resolve the issues involved and AGREED:-
i. Appreciation be conveyed to Council and emergency services staff for their
efforts during recent flooding incidents;
ii. further improvements to the Tower Burn and drainage in the surrounding
area be investigated;
iii. the Head of Transport and Infrastructure and Councillor N Donald visit the
Drumdevan Road area to assess suitable solutions to recurrent flooding in
the area;
iv. a report be prepared detailing the full cost of the damage caused by the
flooding to all bodies affected, including the Highland and Orkney Islands
Councils’, as well as rail and trunk road network providers and community
projects;
v. a meeting be sought with Tom Macabe, Rhona Brankin and the Scottish
Executive to present a report detailing the financial cost as well as the
extent and nature of the flooding;
vi. the Scottish Executive be approached regarding changes to shorten
further the process for implementing Flood Prevention Orders;
vii. the causes of major flooding be assessed to establish if there was a need
to carry out detailed flood studies with further reports to Committee on
the outcome;
viii. a report be submitted to the Budget Working Group for additional funding
from the Service Improvement Bid towards road maintenance, specifically
towards activities such as ditch clearing and culvert maintenance to
alleviate potential causes of flooding;
ix. the occurrence of flooding be incorporated into the TEC Winter
Maintenance programme as well as reviewing the TEC Revenue Budget
with a view to providing assistance towards activities such as ditch clearing
and road-side maintenance;
x. a meeting be held with Scottish Water to discuss joint working and
responsibilities over water course maintenance and SUDS schemes;
xi. a maintenance programme be developed for activities such as ditch
clearing, culvert and water course maintenance for submission to Area
Committees; and
xii. the Scottish Executive be approached regarding land owners, and those
who maintain road networks take responsibility for ensuring trees adjacent
to roads were removed to prevent trees falling, or slipping, onto roads
during bad weather, and the safe removal of fallen trees from the roadside
and adjoining land.
At this point the Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.05p.m. and resumed at 1:50p.m.
8. Transport, Environmental and Community Services Structure
Beyond April 2007
There had been circulated Report No TEC 96/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services setting out proposals for organisational change following the Council’s decisions in relation to “The Highland Council beyond 2007”.
The proposed changes were explained to Members, and in response to questions it was emphasised that front line services would not be affected and positions below management level had still to be considered. There would also be flexibility in some positions, such as Community Works Officers due to the geographical nature of some of the ward boundaries. In response to questions it was explained that reports detailing the operational issues and structure would be submitted to a future TEC Services Committee.
The Committee AGREED:-
i. senior management arrangements for Environmental Health and Trading
Standards;
ii. senior management arrangements at area level for Roads and Community
Works, Street Lighting and Environmental Health;
iii. that Senior Environmental Health Officers be designated Environmental
Health Managers for each of the three Operational Areas;
iv. management responsibilities for waste collection and waste disposal; and
v. Sustainability Team to be created in the Chief Executive’s Office.
9. Camusnagaul Ferry
There had been circulated Report No TEC 97/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on the consultation with the local community in relation to the future of the Camusnagul Passenger Ferry, and provided details of the options set out in the previous report to the TEC Services Committee on 23 March 2006.
During discussion, Members were informed that a number of issues had arisen since the report was written. It had become apparent that the proposed bus route needed to be revised and the provision for the ferry service was to be re-tendered. A second public meeting was also to take place in the area regarding the ferry service and alternative options.
The Committee AGREED to withdraw this item with a view to it being considered by the Council at its meeting on 14 December 2006 when further information regarding the community consultation, suitable bus routes and tender prices would be available.
10. Cleaning and Servicing of Public Conveniences
There had been circulated Report No TEC 98/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services outlining the case for the cleaning and servicing of public conveniences to be subject to competitive tender. This followed the Audit of Best Value and Community Planning, published by Audit Scotland in April 2006, which was critical of the fact the Council had not subjected its Significant Trading Organisations (STOs) to competitive tender.
The Committee AGREED that:-
i. a competitive tender be issued for the servicing and cleaning of public toilets
in Caithness, Sutherland, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and
Skye and Lochalsh;
ii. the contract be for a period of three years with an option to extend by up
to a further two years;
iii. public toilets cleaned and serviced as part of a wider role of a “Village Officer
be not included in the tender;
iv. toilets provided under the Highland Comfort Scheme be not included in the
Tender;
v. the contract allow for existing public toilets to be removed from the
contract where there was an opportunity to extend the Highland Comfort
Scheme;
vi. liaison take place between TEC Services and the Catering and Cleaning
Service of ECS to determine economies of scale; and
vii. a bid be submitted for the work on behalf of the Council.
11. Adopted Roads- Re-numbering of C and U Class Roads
There had been circulated Report No TEC 99/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services detailing the need for a renumbering of the Council’s C and U class roads. The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 required the Council to hold a list off all adopted roads within its administration boundary. However, there were two classification systems operated by the Council. The reduction of the number of operational Areas from eight to three, provided an opportunity to rationalise the present road numbering system. It was also proposed to clarify the description of adopted roads, where necessary, to remove ambiguity over the extent of the adoption.
The Committee AGREED that:-
i. all C and U class roads be renumbered as detailed in the report; and
ii. the definition of the extent of adopted road be amended as follows:
“….and extending to boundary fences or walls, or in walls, or in open ground to a distance of three metres from the edge of the surfaced carriageway or passing place, or to the top of the slope in cutting or the bottom of slope in embankments, whichever distance is greatest.”
12. Extension of Car Parking Charges – Parking Surveys
There had been circulated Report No TEC 100/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which considered the results of car parking surveys commissioned for Nairn, Thurso, Wick, Alness, Dingwall, Kyle of Lochalsh, Drumnadrochit and Gairloch Pier. The report advised that based on the results of the surveys, the introduction of car parking charges could not currently be justified, with the exception of Kyle of Lochalsh. The report proposed that charges should be introduced in the Square and Slipway car parks in Kyle of Lochalsh from April to September, with the maximum stay limited to 3 hours. The charging arrangements would include a local discount scheme, and further details of the scheme would be brought to a future TEC Committee.
A survey had not been undertaken in Nairn due to construction works associated with the new Community Centre. It was anticipated that a survey would be carried out following the completion of the Community Centre during summer 2007. However, during discussion, it was reported that a traffic impact study would be carried out as part of a planning application for a new supermarket development that had been proposed for the centre of Nairn and the outcome of this would be used to determine the need for car parking charges.
The Committee AGREED that:-
i. parking charges be not introduced in Thurso, Wick, Alness, Dingwall and
Drumnadrochit;
ii. summer car parking charges be introduced at the Slipway and Square car
parks in Kyle of Lochalsh from April to September, with the maximum stay
limited to 3 hours. The charging arrangements include a local discount
scheme, further details of which be brought to a future TECS Committee;
and
iii. a car parking survey be carried out in Nairn either during the summer of
2007 following the completion of the construction works associated with
the new Community Centre, or as part of a traffic study part of a planning
application for a new supermarket development in the centre of Nairn.
13. Award of Public Transport Contracts
There had been circulated Report No TEC 101/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services advising Members of savings made in Public Transport budget since the Committee approved the award of contracts, due to start on 1 January 2007, at TEC Services Committee on 17 August 2006 and recommended that these savings are used to restore certain schemes which would otherwise have be withdrawn. Members were informed that there was a correction to the tender prices, with the tender amount for the Struan to Portree bus route being £4,492.
The Committee:-
i. AGREED to award contracts for the following bus services:
- Broadford to Elgol;
- Dunvegan to Struan to Portree subject to an amended tender amount of £4492;
- Lochinver to Lairg; and
ii. APPROVED a variation to the contract awarded to Drimnin to Lochaline to
Fort William.
14. Home Zone Guidance- Consultation
There had been circulated Report No TEC 102/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services outlining the proposed response to the Scottish Executive consultation to the Home Zones Guidance.
Home Zones were a form of comprehensive traffic management and calming schemes for residential areas which have been developed over a number of years. Ormlie, in Caithness, was one of four pilot schemes in Scotland. The aim of the pilot schemes was to gain experience of the implementation of such schemes that could be included into guidance for future developments. The consultation period for the scheme was to close on 31 December 2006.
During discussion there was a general consensus that the original intentions of the scheme to advise, and inform on the design of housing schemes had not been fully realised. To be successful the schemes needed to be embedded in the process for considering new developments. However it was hoped that once the consultation had closed a comprehensive set of guidelines would be available.
Comment was also made that although, pedestrians had priority over traffic, local residents and drivers were not always aware of this. Signs needed to be in place, stressing the reduced speed limits and the pedestrian priority.
The Committee:-
i. APPROVED the response to the Scottish Executive consultation on the
Home Zones Guidance; and
ii. AGREED that drivers and residents needed to be made aware of
"pedestrian priority" areas.
15. Amendments to Blue Badge Scheme
Mr T J MacLennan, declared a non-financial interest in this item as a holder of a disabled badge and remained in the room.
There had been circulated Report No TEC 103/06 by the Director of Corporate Services outlining the proposals contained in the Draft Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 to amend the provisions of the Blue Badge Scheme that allowed cars displaying a Blue Badge concessions in car parks and in on-street car parking. Comments were made on the impact of the proposals on the operation of the scheme in the Council’s area. There were three main amendments that would have an impact on the processing of applications, including:-
- the provision of badges to children under two years of age who, due to an illness or medical condition, must carry bulky medical equipment with them;
- badges granted to those in receipt of Mobility Allowance at the Higher Rate would be withdrawn if the allowance was withdrawn; and
- temporary badges would be issued to those with a condition likely to last more than twelve months but less than three years.
During discussion it was felt important that the scheme was ‘policed’ effectively to prevent the badges from being forged or used when out of date. It was anticipated when blue badges were dealt with at local Service Points it would be easier to recover out of date badges.
The Committee AGREED to:-
i. support the proposed changes to the Blue Badge Disabled Drivers Parking Regulations; and
ii. authorise the submission of comments to the Scottish Executive in line with the report.
16. Refuse Collection and Waste Disposal Charges for Commercial and
Industrial Waste (2007-2008)
There had been circulated Report No TEC 104/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which informed Members of the need to increase refuse collection and waste disposal charges for commercial and industrial waste and to introduce further recycling opportunities for commercial refuse collection customers from 1 April 2007. The increases were due to the rise in waste collection and disposal costs and of the Landfill Tax.
During discussion it was felt that there were several recurring questions over the viability of recycling plastic materials, and the availability of cardboard recycle points in rural areas. Members felt that it would be useful for a future report to consolidate the issues surrounding recycling and the Council’s position towards recycling.
The Committee AGREED to:-
a) the following, with effect from 1 April 2007:-
i. the charges for commercial and industrial waste be increased as detailed in
Section 2 of the report;
ii. the cardboard collection charges be retained at current levels; and
iii. commercial refuse collection customers be offered access, free of charge,
to the recycling point and recycling centre network for the recycling of
Glass, Paper, Cans, Cardboard and Green Waste; and
b) a report be submitted to a future Committee detailing the cost and viability
of collecting plastics and cardboard at recycling points throughout the
Highlands.
17. Award of Contract for Waste Transfer Station – Portree
There had been circulated Report No TEC 105/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services informing Members of the decision taken by the Acting Director of TEC Services, in consultation with the Chairman and Depute Chairman (Waste Management) to award the contract for the construction of the waste transfer station at Portree.
The Committee HOMOLOGATED the decision to award the contract for the construction of the waste transfer station at Portree.
18. Update on draft implementation of Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive
There had been circulated Report No TEC 106/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which updated Members on the draft legislation to implement the WEEE Directive. It was expected that the Directive would be introduced to UK Law in December 2006.
The Committee NOTED the contents of the report.
19. Food Safety – Official Control Samples of Shellfish
There had been circulated Report No TEC 107/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which informed Members of the of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposed system for gathering of Official Control samples for its Shellfish monitoring programmes, which was required under EU regulations. The report sought homologation for the decision to apply to the FSA for funding to carry out sampling on a weekly basis. Currently sampling was undertaken on a monthly basis but, it was highlighted that it was possible to apply for 100% funding toward the increased costs involved.
The Committee HOMOLOGATED the decision to apply the Food Standards Agency for funding to carry out Official Control samples of Shellfish.
20. Taxi/PHC Enforcement 2 Quarter 2006/2007
Mr N Donald declared a financial interest in this item as a taxi driver/owner and left the room.
There had been circulated Report No TEC 108/06 by the Acting Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services which advised Members of the level of pro-active inspections and enforcement carried out by Trading Standards during the second level quarter of 2006/2007, in respect of Taxis and PHC’s licensed by the Council under the terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Members were informed that the Appeal to the Traffic Commissioner, in regard to amending the taxi fare structure would take place on the 5 December 2006 in Town House, Inverness.
The Committee NOTED the current level of pro-active inspections and enforcement activity.
21. Minutes
There were NOTED or APPROVED as appropriate Minutes of the:-
i. Highland Rail Partnership of 6 June 2006;
ii. HITRANS of 1 September 2006;
iii. Highland Home Safety Liaison Group of 28 September 06
iv. Fishery Harbours Management Board 17 October 2006
The meeting ended at 2:40 pm.