Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors R Macintyre, I Strong and J R Walsh.

None

The Chair introduced the Members of the Area Committee, and welcomed the Director of Operational Services’ representative, the consultees and objectors to the Traffic Order Hearing.  The Area Corporate Services Manager outlined the purpose of the Hearing which was to allow all interested parties to state their case to the Area Committee, and for Members to debate the merits of the case and reach a decision on the Traffic Order.

Paul Farrell spoke on the proposed traffic order saying the 20mph on the Glenbranter back road will make it safe for children, and is also in line with the Scottish Governments “Safer Routes to Schools” initiative.  The 30mph on the Succoth road will also improve safety for users going to and from the new sports field.  The 30mph on the Glenbranter A815 section to the south is proposed to allow vehicles to enter the road at an appropriate speed.  Paul Farrell asked that the Traffic Order be approved.

Stewart McLean said that Strathclyde Fire and Rescue had no objections to the Traffic Order.

The Area Corporate Services Manager read out a statement from Gordon Donaldson of the Forestry Commission.  He advised that the Forestry Commission would continue to use the road for timber haulage and the Traffic Order will not impact on this, and therefore Forestry Commission had no comment to make.

Mrs M Mooney advised that their main objections were contained in the letters submitted.

Mr J Mooney said that they are concerned about the safety of children because they will have to cross a 40mph road to get to the playing fields from the school.  Mr Mooney said that the Order had not been thought up properly and if you looked at the scheme in Arrochar the 30mph limit is throughout the town.  Mr Mooney said that with all the different signs it would confuse drivers.  Mr Mooney spoke on new houses and the amount of water and debris that was coming off their driveways onto the carriageway which is a road hazard. He spoke on urban development and self build houses that cause a lot of large traffic on the roads and asked that the Traffic Order be rejected.

The Chairman then invited questions from Members of the committee.

Members asked questions on whether Mr Mooney had objected to the Local Plan, the reasons behind the implementation of the speed limits, an explanation into proposed development, the amount of signs that will be erected, the average speeds of cars and the 20mph area and signage.

The Chairman then invited the speakers to sum up.

Paul Farrell asked that the Traffic Regulation Order be approved adding that Operational Services are statutory consultees for planning applications and they insist on a sealed surface to prevent debris going onto the road, drainage to stop water going onto the road and a maximum gradient of 5% at driveway entrances.

Stuart McLean had no further comments.

Mr Mooney said that the road was breaking up because of the large vehicles using it.  Mr Mooney felt that the Order had not been well thought out and this was very disturbing to see.  He said that he did not trust average speed limits because he did not know how detailed the information was. Mr Mooney thanked the Committee for letting him speak.

The participants confirmed they had each had a fair hearing.

Decision

The Committee unanimously approved the Argyll and Bute Council Routes C57 Glenbranter Back Road and U12 Succoth Road (30mph and 20mph Speed Limit) (Amendment) Order 200_