MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 8 PM IN THE FOREST ROOM RESTAURANT, BALCOMBE SOCIAL CLUB.

 

Present: Messrs. Robin Williamson (Chairman), Robin Lindsay-Stewart, Peter Huxley, Rodney Saunders & Mesdames Alison Stevenson, Sarah MooreWilliams & Carol Jarvest.

In attendance: Richard Greig - Clerk to the Council.

 

2281. Public Participation

Mr Neil Perkins & Mr Keith Parry, local residents & Mr Bill

Acraman, County Councillor.

 

2282. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest
No declarations made.

 

2283. Apologies for absence

Messrs Simon Greenwood, Neville Ashcroft & Mrs Susan BarkerDanby.

 

2284. To receive an analysis of the responses to the Village
Consultation.

The Leader of the Traffic Group, Mr Rodney Saunders, firstly
referred members to the proposed action plan arising from the
Report on Traffic Matters in the Parish Plan. Based on residents'
concerns these covered, in order of priority, Vehicle Speeds,

Parking, Road Junctions & Pedestrian Safety. It was significant
that 36% of respondents indicated that action to reduce vehicle

speeds should be the top priority for action on road safety. 65% of respondents

as motorists & 63% as pedestrians were in favour of further measures.

Secondly, analysis of the questionnaire forms from the Village
Consultation, that dealt solely with Traffic Calming, revealed that

43% of respondents were in favour of traffic calming measures
incorporating "Rumblewave" surfacing, additional Road Markings
& Vehicle Activated Signs, as recommended by our Consulting
Engineers, Atkins. 26% only were against these proposals. There

were notable alternative suggestions in respect of speed cameras
(not permissible under existing regulations) & "pinch points" (see

below) - 10% & 19% respectively.

The Chairman mentioned to the meeting that although he had

received & noted representation in respect of the other traffic

matters there was a clear mandate that necessitated working on the seven

(traffic) objectives in the Parish Plan in order of priority, plans for Traffic

Calming of vehicle speeds being the first priority highlighted for attention.

 

2285. To receive a report from Atkins on the technical feasibility of
build outs ("pinch points") in Balcombe locations

Atkins was commissioned to identify any locations on the two main
arterial routes through the village (London & Hayward Heath

Roads) at the start or within the 30 mph zone, where Priority Give
Ways (build outs) could be installed in accordance with current
regulations & guidance. A report had been received shortly before
the meeting but time constraints did not allow its prior circulation to
Councillors.

Mr Saunders drew the meeting's attention to the report's
conclusion, namely that in the gateway positions build-outs are not
technically permissible due to visibility constraints. Within the

village two priority working pinch points on each road could be
justified in terms of visibility, but would need to be illuminated.

From previous experience the cost of this is known to be high.

However it was Atkins view that incorporating build-outs at these

locations would not be efficient in reducing travelling speeds.

2286. To consider the assessment report on Prismo "Rippleprint"
surfacing and the feasibility of renting Vehicle Activated Signs
(VAS).

A visit to Merton had been made to examine the merits of a

"Rippleprint" surfaced highway already in use. Photographs had
been taken & our views were positive. Enquiries had been made
to WSCC Highways to ensure that there was no prospect of future

highway resurfacing affecting any "Rippleprint" stretches that we would commission

& the necessary assurances received. It was likely that WSCC would in any case "adopt"

such stretches & incorporate them within any resurfacing scheme.

Councillor Acraman suggested that we should continue active
enquiries within WSCC Management in respect of possible hire of
VAS equipment. It was thought that trials with SID (Speed

Indicating Devices) were not necessary.

A technical paper prepared & circulated by Neville Ashcroft was

noted with thanks for his contribution. The Chairman informed the

meeting of his comments on VAS, Rippleprint & roundels & these were duly noted.

2287. To consider the final quotation of our Consultant Engineers

The meeting was advised that the total cost of the proposed

scheme was £48,500 (excluding VAT).

 

2288. To consider a time table for implementation of the measures.
Atkins has advised that the proposed detailed design work will be
carried out within the first 4 weeks following the instruction from
BPC to proceed with the work. If Atkins are appointed by 1s'

October they anticipate that the proposed scheme work, including
implementation, would be completed by 1St December 2008.
Accordingly a proposal would be made at the Regular meeting of
the Council on 24th September that the Council proceeds with

design and implementation phase of the traffic calming measures
set out in Atkins' Technical Note dated 14th September 2008,

entitled "Balcombe Traffic Calming Scheme" at a total cost not
exceeding £50,000. Additionally it would be proposed that the
Council instructs the Responsible Financial Officer to proceed with

an application for a loan of £25,000 from the Public Works Loan
Board for the purpose of covering the cost of the Traffic Calming

Scheme not covered by currently available funds.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.22 hours

 

Signed ...   .  . .  . .  .  . .  .  .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  .  .  . .  .  . .

Date ... . .  . .  . .  .  . .  . .  .  .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  .  . . . . .  .

 

RG/HS