Decision details

The Committee heard an update from the Head of Roads and representatives from Transport Scotland and BEAR.

This detail included the following:-

The re-numbering of the new road in Campbeltown was being implemented; Roads Department were liaising with Transport Scotland on this issue.

The trunking of the A83 was in progress, but until official confirmation by Transport Scotland remedial and maintenance works would be undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council.

Revenue budget was in place for the duration of 2014 and any reductions to GAE  would not be forthcoming until 2015.

Discussion continued in regards the loss of funding which Argyll and Bute Council would receive when the A83 was trunked and the possibility of apportioning this reduction across the whole of the Argyll and Bute Roads budget.  The Head of Roads highlighted that the exact amount was not, as yet, confirmed and any policy would be developed by the new Development and Infrastructure Committee.

The issue of excessive speeding in Tayinloan and Whitehouse was raised; as was the recent surfacing work at both the Stag car park and wee Manse Brae.  The Head of Roads acknowledged that he would review the speeding issue and provide the rationale for the surfacing work to local Members.  He reported that Jacobs had been requested to extend the survey brief they had been originally commissioned to undertake.

The Chair then welcomed Iain McDonald, BEAR representative to the meeting.

Mr McDonald updated Members on various issues relating to the A83 and the overall deteriorating standard of the road and the forthcoming trunking of the A83 between Kennacraig and Campbeltown.  He confirmed that BEAR were contracted to undertake work on behalf of Transport Scotland and reported that they would be attending future Area Committee meetings.

Discussion continued in regards the following - if Transport Scotland had scheduled a Capital Programme of works, the status of pedestrian crossings at either Tarbert or Ardrishaig, pinch points at Erines, signage to alert drivers to cyclists on the A83,  and the need for scrub cutting where there were visibility issues.  Mr McDonald verified that he would relay the issues outlined by Members to Transport Scotland.

Members queried if there was a Communication Protocol in place to ensure effective links between Transport Scotland, BEAR and Argyll and Bute Council.  The Head of Roads affirmed that a new Communication protocol was being implemented.  He outlined the quarterly meetings which were currently scheduled between BEAR and Argyll and Bute Roads Department team and affirmed that the Minute of these meetings would be disseminated at future Area Committee meetings.  In regards routine road issues, he stated that these would continue to be reported through the Members Portal, although emergencies would be dealt with by the Network Operation team.

The Chair highlighted the damage caused by the heavy haulage vehicles utilised by the Energy provider at Crossaig.  The Head of Roads confirmed that he would provide Members with the agreements in place with the Energy provider on this issue.  He also agreed to attend the forthcoming East Kintyre Community Council meeting to address issues raised by the local community.

Decision

Members agreed:

1.                  To note the update.

2.                  That the Head of Roads would email Members the rationale for the recent surfacing works undertaken at local car parks.

3.                  That Iain McDonald, BEAR would provide a work programme for the A83 and forward to local Members. 

4.                  That the Head of Roads would provide the detail of agreements in place at Crossaig with the Energy provider and attend the forthcoming East Kintyre Community Council meeting to address issues raised by the local community and that an update report on this matter will be brought to the scheduled May Business day.