Issue - meetings

The Forum considered a Members’ Briefing Note, prepared by Roads and Infrastructure, in reference to lining work.

Outcome

The Forum noted the Briefing Note and that they hoped for improvement this year.

(Reference: Members’ Briefing Note dated October 2019, submitted)

An update was considered by the Forum regarding white lining at the A8003 T-junction at Glendaruel which was due for completion in August 2019, and on the feasibility of procuring a white lining vehicle.  The update advised that the Council does have road marking trailer in the fleet but do not have any trained operatives.  Arrangements for training were being progressed but would be dependent on budgets and other training priorities.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update and minuted their dissatisfaction that previous information received indicated that contractors had to be brought in to undertake white lining because the Council did not own a vehicle to undertake this work.

(Ref:  Casebook incidents 190701-001003 and 190701-001005, submitted)

This will occur when the nominated lining subcontractor is in the area after this year’s capital programme.

Cathleen Russell highlighted that as a consequence of a lack of white lining there remains a serious health and safety issue on the A8003 T-junction at Glendaruel.

The Chair advised that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure had informed him that white lining requires the use of a specialist contractor and that due to the limited contractors it is often difficult to get them to commit to specific timescales in the area due to its rurality and relatively sparse volume of work. Further complications including the work being weather dependent means that it was not possible to provide timescales for the completion of work.

The Executive Director reaffirmed that Officers would continue to do all they can to see timely completion of this work and that they are in ongoing dialogue with trunk road colleagues to explore any improvements that may be deliverable through joint working.

Outcome

To request that officers explore the economic viability of Argyll and Bute Council owning it’s on white lining vehicle(s) and associated equipment.

Awaiting sub-contractor to complete previously issued works.  As previously stated, this work is highly weather dependent with contractors working to timescales for mobilisation, which are unable to take advantage of short term localised improvements within network wide programmes of outstanding work.

Outcome

1. The Forum expressed concern regarding the length of time it takes for markings to be put in place and the lack of replacing faded and old markings and asked that this be raised with the Roads department.
2. The Forum asked for clarification on what the budget is for road markings in the Cowal area.

Bencorrum Brae; Wellington Street; and Old Police House, Kilmun; Tighnabruaich Primary School, Kames Cross Roads.

Kevin McIntosh informed the Group that the laying of road markings was weather dependant and that is was subcontracted. It was noted that the areas highlighted by the Forum had either been completed or are on the list for completion when the weather allows.

Outcome

1. The Forum requested white lining be reinstated in Carrick where the resurfacing works were carried out.

2. The Forum requested temporary markings at the junction at Springfield, Colintraive.

Victoria Road/Hamilton Street; Bencorrum Brae; Wellington Street; and Old Police House, Kilmun

Victoria Road/ Hamilton Street

This area has been completed.

Bencorrum Brae

Still to be completed.

Wellington Street

Lining is complete but traffic order still in progress.

Old Police Houses Kilmun

Paul Farrell will look into this and come back to the group regarding walking space.  His understanding was that the reduction in the marked area was only 100mm.

Outcome

1. Paul Farrell to look at putting road markings and signing at Kames Crossroads.
2. Paul Farrell to let the Forum know when all the newly surface dressed roads will be lined.
3. Paul Farrell to look at getting signage removed from already dressed roads.
4. Paul Farrell to look at redoing the walking line for children and the potential for rumble strips at Tighnabruaich primary school.