Issue - meetings

A presentation by Phil Hinchliff, Transport Scotland.

Members heard a presentation by Phil Hinchliff and Andrew Henderson, Transport Scotland.

They advised Members that a meeting had been held on 18 January with Tarbert and Skipness Community Council in Tarbert to discuss a pedestrian crossing in Tarbert and changes to the signage at Kilberry Road.  Resulting from the meeting, decisions had been made to instigate a study to justify the need for a pedestrian crossing in Tarbert.  In addition, Mr Hinchliff had emailed Bob Chicken (Tarbert and Skipness CC) details of proposed new signage for Kilberry Road.  A further meeting would be held on 9 February with Tarbert and Skipness CC.

Mr Hinchliff continued that Transport Scotland were in the process of appointing an external consultant who would be tasked with undetaking a review of the A83.  Their remit would include:

Trunking - south of Kennacraig

Pinchpoints at - Erines/Ardrishaig/Inveraray

Rest and Be Thankful

Mr Henderson informed the Committee of a meeting held between Michael Russell MSP, Strathclyde Police, Argyll & Bute Forestry Transport Association and Argyll and Bute Council to discuss the rationale of opening the forestry road at the Rest and Be Thankful.  The purpose of which would be to use the road as a diversionay route to be utilised when the A83 was closed due to emergencies.  There were however issues to be overcome before the forestry road could be used.  These included:-

Narrow track (measures to overcome would include a convoy vehicle leading vehicles 1-way direction)

Debris on track

Previous land slides in the area

Bridge - right-angled bends - which may necessitate a new bridge.

The above would constitute the need for financial injection.  The Forestry Transport Association had indicated that they would contribute to these costs.

Councillor Semple enquired if the proposed trunking at Kennacraig would cover the A83 to Campbeltown.  Mr Henderson replied that this was a critical factor which would need a full review.

Mr Hinchliff detailed several forthcoming meetings:-

9 February - Tarbert

21 February - Lochgoilhead (this meeting would primarily discuss the Rest and Be Thankful and Inveraray)

Councillor Colville enquired on the process to enable the A83 to be included on the Transport Scotland's Strategic list.  Mr Henderson advised that the A83 would be on the Strategic Transport Project Review.  However, he did not envisage there would be any major intervention, at present.  He advised the need to retain pressure.  Charles Reppke enquired who ultimately decided priority.  Mr Henderson replied that the final decison rested with the Scottish Ministers.

Councillor Philand enquired on the timescale for the study to be undetaken by external consultants.  Mr Hinchliff reported on the process which would involve setting a brief for a 'mini competion' to which the consultants tendering for the contract would enter.  It was envisaged that the successful consultant would commence the study in the Summer of 2012.  

Councillor Semple enquired if the meeting scheduled to be held in Tarbert (9 February) would be an open meeting.  Charles Reppke advised that the meeting had been organised by Tarbert and Skipness CC and, as such, permission would need to be sought from the CC to open up to the wider community.  Councillor Colville reported that the KIWG meeting scheduled for 24 February would include the A83 and this could be opened for wider discussion to the local community.  Mr Hinchliff confirmed that a representative from Transport Scotland - David Hamilton would be attending.

Charles Reppke asked Members to continue further discussion on the A83 to the special MAKI LACPG which would convene at the conclusion of the MAKI Area Committee.  Members agreed to undertake this.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the presentation.

The Chair thanked Mr Hinchliff and Mr Henderson for their attendance at the meeting.