Issue - meetings

Road Issues

Meeting: 13/12/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 5)

Road Issues - including update on A83

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Minutes:

There was no representative from Roads at the meeting.  However, Stewart Clark had provided the following update for the group.

 

A meeting has taken place with Transport Scotland and the Council in regard the re- trunking of the A83.  The envisaged handover being -  Spring/Summer 2014.  The road classification will also take in Park Square, Kinloch Road and Hall St to New Quay).

It was suggested that members of the group should be aware that trunking the road in this manner means that the road from the pier through the town will no longer be under Council control and that there were implications to this.

 

 

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Meeting: 25/10/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 6)

Road Issues - including update on A83

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Minutes:

Julian Green advised that he was attending on behalf of the Roads Performance Manager and tabled a Roads Update report. He updated the group on previous issues which had been raised:-

 

Moss Road    -    A survey had been arranged.  He requested that Jim Martin provide the detail of the 'bad corner' that he had previously alluded to.

Stewart Road - removal of wall was a decision undertaken by the land-owner.

Parking in Tayinloan - a meeting had been arranged on 31 October for further discussion on this issue.

 

He reported on work being undertaken by SSE at Crossaig.  SSE were being pro-active in endeavouring to evaluate the amount of material being delivered to the site and  were trying to ensure that no vehicles over 7.5 tonnes would be utilised.  

 

Councillor Currie raised concerns on road issues in the Carradale area.  Julian Green stated that he would review these and update accordingly.

 

Further discussion ensued in regards the latest landslip at the Rest and Be Thankful and the survey which was undertaken in 2005 which identified further tranches of remedial work necessary.  A further issue raise was the lack of information on public transport at the time of the landslip which the Chair undertook to investigate.

 

Decision

 

That a letter would be written to the Transport Minister on behalf of the KIWG referring to the 2005 survey and requesting that the tranches of work identified to be the most at risk areas be finalised. 

 

 

 

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Meeting: 30/08/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 5)

Road Issues

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Minutes:

Reports updating the group on both the Roads Reconstruction Capital Programme in Kintyre and Transport Scotland were tabled at the meeting.

 

Discussion continued in regards Argyll and Bute Council undertaking remedial work on the A83 to bring it up to the required standard before transfer to Trunk road status.  Negotiations were ongoing and this issue would be considered at the full Council meeting in September.    The issue of possible savings by Argyll and Bute Council after the transfer was queried.  Councillor Semple replied that there would not be any savings made; as grants received from the Scottish Government were based on linear metreage on local roads and it would still be necessary to ensure that the Scottish Government undertook their legislative commitments on these roads.

 

Concerns were highlighted on the following road issues:

 

1.         Moss Road – cars speeding around a bad corner.

2.         Stewarton Road - issue of walls taken down

3.         Parking in Tayinloan - releasing of ACHA land

4.         Possibility of segregation on A83 Trunk Road to accommodate cyclists and

walkers.

 

Decision

 

The group agreed:

 

1.                    That the Roads Performance Manager would be requested to undertake  a technical appraisal of issues 1 and 2 above and be requested to attend the next KIWG  meeting in October with updates.    

2.                    That a  letter would be drafted to ACHA in regards the car parking issue in Tayinloan with a request to release land to alleviate the parking problem.

3.                    That the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation would be asked to look at what opportunities there are for cyclists and report back to the Group with this information.

 

 

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Meeting: 28/06/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 5)

5 Road Issues pdf icon PDF 73 KB

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Minutes:

The Chair advised the group that the Roads Performance Manager had been unable to attend the meeting.  However a report was tabled updating the group on the Roads Capital Budget.

 

Discussion followed in regards recent road closures on the A83 and both  the Chair and Councillor Semple advised that negotiations had been undertaken with the contractor to ensure that the road remained open as much as possible.

 

The Chair informed the group that BEAR had been invited to the next MAKI Area Committee in August.  He requested that any issues on the A83 be forwarded to himself or Theresa McLetchie.  A report was being compiled which would be forwarded to BEAR prior to the Area Committee.

 

Councillor Currie highlighted the prudence of undertaking grass cutting on single-track road verges, prior to cuts on major roads to avert danger to road users by this obstruction.  Councillor Semple reiterated that if anyone had any issues in this regards, then they should be identified and reported  to Roads Department.   

       

 

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Meeting: 26/04/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 4)

Road Issues

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Minutes:

Stewart Clark tabled a report providing an update on local roads issues.  He advised the group that the additional Capital Funding would be given further discussion at the forthcoming MAKI Business Day on 1 May.  He advised on a proposal for a Traffic Management survey in Campbeltown Town Centre.

 

Concerns on local roads were highlighted and these included:-

 

Excavation works by Scottish Water at Southend

School Road, Tarbert

Drum

Moss Road

 

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Meeting: 08/03/2013 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 4)

Road Issues

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Minutes:

Update disseminated to attendees in email.

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Meeting: 14/12/2012 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 5)

5 Road Issues pdf icon PDF 73 KB

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Minutes:

Stewart Clarke spoke to the attached Report which was  tabled.

He noted that:-

 

Setting Local Speed limits is an on-going process . - All Argyll and Bute roads have been assessed. There will be an  impact be on the A 83 where there are recommendations to reduce speed in a couple of places (Cumlodden and Adrishaig

 

The next stage of the process  is to look at all villages and settlements.

 

The Chair noted that this program needs to be a real road safety initiative not just a “catch out the driver”.  Stewart Clark noted that aspects of the process will  require to be consulted on, so consultation responses are vital to ensure an appropriate positive outcome. Stewart highlighted that this is a centrally controlled initiative and has not been instigated by the council. The speed assessments are based on the type of the road and take account of environmental factors

 

Stewart Agreed provide the dates of the consultation to the group once known.

He also noted that this year’s capital program included an allocation for the Kintyre Way crossing on the A83.

 

Rest and Be Thankful- Stewart noted that current works are  progressing and that there is a  task force meeting today

 

Cllr Donald Kelly noted that he understood that  that Scottish Government are likely  to continue with the drainage and netting programmes currently in place, and  will leave something  in the budgets to allow for fast responses to clear sludge after landslips;  but that there will be no allocation for further capital works. Cllr Kelly noted he had been advised that while they will look at pinch points the money is not there for a new road.

A discussion  about the forestry and military roads both being upgraded  took place, but this is thought to be unlikely 

 

Alan Reid stated that he  hoped that this picture  was incorrect,

 

Cllr Kelly noted that the Transport minister is to make announcements today (Friday 14th Dec)   Cllr Kelly also noted that he had been advised that if the council were to bring the  section of the A83 between  Kennacraig and Campbeltown up to standard  then it could be  be considered for adoption as a trunk road. Alan Ried asked how much it would cost to bring the A 83 up to this standard, Doanld agreed to pass letter from minister

 

Cllr Colville left the meeting at 11.00 and passed the Chair to Jim Martin as Vice Chair

 

 

Cllr Kelly  asked when the White lining  between Stewarton and Campbeltown will be done

Stuart Green noted that a road accident prevention scheme is underway presently on that stretch of road and the bollards are also being done.  White lining has been reported to be an issue. The Chair asked that the white lines be done when the road is resurfaced.

 

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Meeting: 26/10/2012 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 4)

4 Road Issues pdf icon PDF 53 KB

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Additional documents:

Minutes:

Andrew Anderson and Phil Hinchliff, Transport Scotland,  provided an update to the group in regards the status of works on the Emergency Diversionary Route (EDR) for the A83:-

 

A recent Taskforce meeting held on 15 October.

There was still no agreement with the  landowner -  however, a further meeting was scheduled for later that day when it was hoped that this would be obtained.

Test drive undertaken by a Peter McKerral's lorry - this had been successful and a further trial run was planned with a loaded lorry. 

Buses - they did not envisage any difficulties with larger vehicles. West Coast Motors had been offered opportunity to undertake a trial run on the route.

Erines bends - issues were being reviewed and this would be discussed by Jacobs study.  A draft of this report would be taken to the next Taskforce meeting in November.

 

Pauline Houston reported on behalf of Jamie McGrigor, MSP and advised the group of a recent letter he had written to the Scottish Transport Minister and 2 further Parliamentary questions submitted in regards the amount the Scottish Government planned to invest in the A83 and plans for the diversionary route.

 

The Group were advised that the works scheduled to take place at Tarbert had been postponed and would now occur in March 2013.  It was also agreed that Transport Scotland would refer the area along Loch Lomond to their Landscape Advisor to look into the possibility of opening up the views of the Loch.

 

Action:  Transport Scotland to investigate the possibility of opening up views across Loch Lomond and report back to the Group.

 

Thereafter, Stewart Clark spoke to his report which was contained within the Agenda pack.  He advised on the Safety Audit and Traffic Management review in Campbeltown Town Centre. Susan Paterson raised concerns in regards to crossing points and dropped kerbs and detailed problems encountered by visually impaired residents.  She advised that these issues were being reviewed by the Sensory team.

The Chair stated his own concerns and highlighted the speed of traffic at the new junctions in the Town Centre.

 

Action: Stewart Clark would have a further discussion with Susan Paterson following the meeting in order that he could feed the concerns raised into the Safety Audit.

 

John Bakes reiterated his concerns at  walkers on the Kintyre Way crossing at Tayinloan and requested the possibility of coloured tarmac being implemented at this point.  Stewart Clark reported that this was being reviewed at present although no date had been set.  He agreed to report back on this issue to a future meeting.

 

Action:  Stewart Clark to report back on plans for the crossing at Tayinloan.

 

Jane Mayo detailed large potholes on the Carradale Road and the potential for an accident being caused due to these potholes being masked by flood water running off the adjoining field.

 

Deirdre Henderson raised the issue of double yellow lines at the recycling point at the co-op, she suggested that single lines here would be more appropriate.

 

Stewart Clark agreed to look at these points and advised the group of a forthcoming accident prevention scheme being undertaken between Kennacraig and Campbeltown with the implementation of reflector lights.    These would be put in place during 2013.

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Meeting: 31/08/2012 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 4)

ROAD ISSUES

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Minutes:

Andrew Anderson, Transport Scotland updated the group on recent drainage improvement work being undertaken at the Rest and Be Thankful.  However, the water flow was unpredictable and caused difficulties.  He advised on the instrumentation on the hillside which measured water levels and slope movement, providing real time information.  The contractor who was involved in the installation of netting in strategic areas had been delayed due to recent landslips.   There was also an additional problem caused in part due to the depth of the netting supports.

Andrew advised on the investigation of the Emergency Diversionary Route (EDR).  Various routed had been explored and the old Military Road was proving to be the most favourable, as opposed to the Forestry Road which would require major work.  However, they would need permission from the landowner to continue work on the old Military Road.

He reported on the recent Stakeholders meeting held in Inveraray to determine solutions to this ongoing problem.  Jacobs were conducting the study of the A83 which was expected to complete by the end of October and then would be presented to the Taskforce group for consideration and review.

The Chair detailed the problems faced by local businesses and detailed the instance of transporting livestock and encountering delays on the A83.  This was having a detrimental impact on the local economy and Islay was in the same predicament.

Councillor Semple stated the development of an Economic Development Plan and that, at present, businesses were experiencing a 20% drop due to road closures and adverse publicity.  He stressed the need to counteract this damage to the local economy and it was now imperative to review ferry connections and alternative travel.  He put forward the suggestion of utilising both the Forestry Road and the Old Military Road. 

Councillor Kelly reiterated that the problems on the A83 were a continuing bone of contention and the need for a permanent solution.  He questioned why the stretch between Kennacraig and Campbeltown were not being included in the review and the requirement for a properly managed Capital Programme.    

Discussion continued in regards delays in patient transportation and the length of time it would take in utilising a convoy system on the EDR.  Andrew Anderson advised that it would take approximately 40 minutes to traverse the Old Military Road and that there were no plans to include the Kennacraig-Campbeltown stretch. 

Jamie McGrigor reported that he had written to Keith Brown in regards the 'pinch points on the A83'.  He detailed a previous study which had been undertaken and had raised the question in his letter where this funding had gone.      

Jim Martin raises the issue of RET being stopped for freight.  Jamie McGrigor was aware of this in that the rules had been changed over freight vehicle lengths.

 

Action: A letter would be sent on behalf of the KIWG to Keith Brown requesting an explanation on the cessation of the RET for freight vehicles. 

Action:  A letter would be sent to Keith Brown regarding the points raised at the meeting in relation to the A83

 

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Meeting: 29/06/2012 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 5)

ROAD ISSUES

A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.

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Minutes:

Stewart Clark distributed a 4-weekly works programme detailing various projects in the Campbeltown area.  He reported that:-

 

New Quay would be completed in the Autumn

Park Square would be completed mid-July

Muasdale would be completed in August

 

The transportation of the wind turbines would commence early September.  The Chair enquired if there had been adequate public consultation given to alert communities to this traffic movement.  Stewart confirmed that sufficient information had been disseminated.

 

Action: Stewart Clark would bring more information on the proposed traffic flow to the next KIWG meeting in August.

 

Stewart reported that a letter had been sent to all the Community Councils detailing on the grass cutting programme.  However, he advised that the timetable may change as cutting was now necessary on the A83.

The Chair enquired if it was feasible to utilise the residue from the scrub cutting for composting.  He reported on other authorities who undertook this procedure to produce chippings.

 

Action: Stewart Clark agreed to investigate the viability of this and report back to the next meeting.

 

Stewart continued to speak to the group on the work programme and detailed the procedure which the local inspector reviewed additional work for inclusion onto the programme.  The programme was liable to change if weather conditions/resources vetoed work streams.  However, it was normal for targets to be achieved.  The Kintyre work force amounted to 8 men in total.  But, if necessary, additional resources could be brought in from Mid-Argyll to ensure targets were met and vice versa.

 

The Chair enquired on the following:

 

Verge cutting - previously it had been the case that 6 cuts were performed each year.  However, on the approaches to Campbeltown the verges were unsightly and he queried the current timetable and determination of the boundary.

Stewart replied that this was tasked to Amenity Services and he was unaware of any changes to the programme.   He would investigate where the exact boundary lay but his initial thought was that this would be at the 30mph signs.

 

Muasdale – The Chair enquired whether this area was scheduled for resurfacing following work currently taking place on the bend.  Stewart understood that the complete road area could be resurfaced but would check the position and report back.

 

Achnafad - rutting on the road surface 6 inches from the verge.  The road had recently been re-surfaced, but large pot-hole has appeared with ingress of water.

Stewart reported that the area had been patched, but would investigate the issue.

 

Other issues were reported by group members.  These included:-

 

Dunaverty Road - repairs were badly required beyond this area.

Clachan - hedges badly in need of cutting

Killean - potholes in need of repair

Moss Road - in need of repair

High Askomil – potholes

 

The Chair urged the attendees not to wait for the meeting to report these but to contact the Council directly.

 

Stewart replied that in regards Moss Road, the system which was undertaken to prioritise road works took into account:-

 

Engineering needs

Road importance

 

Moss Road featured low on the priority list, but discussion would take place in the formulating of the new Asset Management Plan.  Taking into account the movement of turbines, airport passenger access and golf parties playing on the 2 prominent golf courses, all of which would use Moss Road.

Jim Martin raised the severe lack of car parking in Campbeltown Town Centre.  The Chair reiterated concern on this serious issue which needed be addressed. 

 

Action: Stewart Clark would relay this to the Design Team.  

 

Councillor Horn raised the issue of the difficulties experienced by motorists exiting from Carrick Cemetery onto the A83.  She suggested that signage could be erected to highlight the concealed entrance.  She reported that the white lining at Kennacraig causeway had still not been replenished.

Stewart Clark replied that the issue had been raised with both TranServ and Calmac.  Argyll and Bute council had offered to undertake the work if payment was agreed.  Councillor Horn stated that Fay Harris (Calmac) had assured her that this had been sanctioned.

Councillor Horn reported on the bus bay at Harbour Street, Tarbert and queried how to address the problem of cars parking within the bay.  Stewart Clark replied that he had a new location in mind for the bay but that plans would need to be worked up and put out for consultation before this could be moved. 

 

Alan Reid raised the issue of the threatened landslide on the A83 due to the recent heavy rain and the proposed new 'relief road'.  The change to the previous proposal,  in his view, was detrimental due in part to the steep incline and he felt that in the eventuality of  a landslide, debris would fall directly onto the new relief road.  He suggested that a letter be written on behalf of the KIWG to the Scottish Minister urging him to progress with the development of the forestry track that had been promised and inviting him to attend the next meeting to address the concerns of the community. 

 

The Chair informed the group of a motion which he had submitted to the Council in which he was urging the establishment of a joint working group to pull together the recommendations from an action plan published 4 years ago which remained outstanding.  In response to this Councillor Horn stated that the reason that this had not been taken was that the Council were involved in ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Government through with the Lead Councillor.  She felt it remiss if the KIWG thought the Scottish Government were not working on a resolution to this serious issue and highlighted that safety must be paramount.

 

Further discussion ensued amongst the group and it was agreed that a letter be drafted detailing the concerns of the KIWG on the need to implement solution to the closures of the A83.  As the Chair wished to represent the concerns that had been raised both at the meeting and locally as to the general frustrations within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5

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Meeting: 27/04/2012 - Kintyre Initiative Partnership (Item 4)

ROAD ISSUES

A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.

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Minutes:

Stewart Clark updated the group on recent and forthcoming road works in the Kintyre area.  These included:-

 

A83      -           Kennacraig – Clachan

Kilmahoe

Achnafad

 

Stewart reported on a new process which they had undertaken at Stewarton.  John Bakes commended the procedure and resulting road finish.

Stewart Clark advised that the works at New Quay were on track and the programme was due to complete in October.  He advised on the proposed road widening at Muasdale. Argyll and Bute Council had allocated half a million pounds for this project.

Susan Paterson questioned the programme which the Roads department had in place to undertake work on local roads.  She reiterated that to encourage tourism to the area, both main roads and rural roads needed to be vastly improved. Stewart Clark replied that Argyll and Bute council were very conscious of this issue.

 

Action:  Stewart Clark would bring a sample 4-week roads revenue programme to the next KIWG meeting.

 

John Bakes enquired if Argyll and Bute council still undertook spraying in areas where Japanese knotwood was prevalent.  Stewart Clark replied that they still carried out spraying on road verges.  However, problems could arise if the Japanese knotwood was on private land, since this is the responsibility of the landowner.

 

 

 

     

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