Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor John Semple

Archie Reid, Strachur Community Council

Eleanor Stevenson, South Cowal Community Council

Cowal Transport Forum – 19^th April 2013

The Minutes of the Cowal Transport Forum of 19^th April 2013 were approved as a correct record.

The Public Transport Officer advised that planning permission has been applied for with the National Park asking for some additional items that are not budgeted for, the Public Transport Officer hope these additional items will be paid for by SPT.  Iain MacInnes asked about the drawings done by Cowal Design and why these had to be changed and was advised that the bus companies were not happy with the size of the buses in the design and there was a need for two buses to be able to get off the road.   Iain MacInnes also asked about the amount of water that is on the road in this vicinity and the Public Transport Officer said that there was work to be carried out on the culvert.  Iain MacInnes asked what the timescale for the project was and the Public Transport Officer said it would be completed this financial year and he would get timescales forwarded to Iain.

The Group discussed the bus stop at the Visitor Centre  at  Ardgarten and Iain MacInnes advised the Police had expressed their concerns over buses pulling out and having to cross  onto the other side of the road.  Alistair Somerville advised the entrance was  a bell mouth and a bus stop at that location would not comply with standards.  The Public Transport Officer advised that it there was money left from the Hightrans funding then he would get a consultant to have a look at the area nad design a solution .  Councillor McNaughton expressed his concerns that this item had been raised at this forum and it would need to be taken forward.  It was agreed that the Public Transport Officer would take this forward in consultation with Alistair Somerville and BEAR.

Councillor McNaughton advised that there was nothing further to add regarding the Rest and Be Thankful at this time.  He further advised that a bus and an articulated lorry have tried the alternative route with no problems.  Gordon Ross said the signage issue was being dealt with by BEAR and Transport Scotland with them looking at the signage required across the full area.  Alistair Somerville advised that there is a report on the A83 works on Transport Scotland’s website. 

Iain MacInnes asked that the Group works hard to get these signs.

Councillor McNaughton asked that the group receives clarification on the signage to make sure junctions at Strachur Bay and Lochgoilhead are properly signed when the A83 is closed, and it was agreed the Area Governance Manager would take this forward.

The Public Transport Officer advised that the issue of cars parking in the bus stops at the new mustering area is being dealt with by the Marine Operations Manager who will be putting up signage and getting new lines painted.  It was agreed the Group would write to the Marine Operations Manager regarding their concerns over safety.

Council Savings

Bus Shelters - Glenbranter

Ardentinny Bus Service

Argyll Ferries Substitue Bus

Council Savings

The Public Transport Office advised that the Council decision was to make a saving from the Strachur route and after looking at the amount of passenger traffic it was decided that they could not take a bus off the weekday service and that the Saturday service is not used as much so the saving is being made there.

Bus Shelters – Glenbranter

The Public Transport Officer advised that the bus shelter in Glenbranter is second hand due to finance and that he was getting the scratched panels replaced.  He further advised the platform for the shelter on the North Bound carriageway was carried out while the upgrading work was being carried out and he will provided a shelter when one becomes available.

Ardentinny Bus Service

The Public Transport Officer advised that the Ardentinny school bus  turns at Glenfinnart and goes no further up the glen  because there are  no longer any school children in that area.  If a family with children moved into the area then the bus would resume journeys further up the glen.   He further advised that he is looking into a service from Ardentinny to Toward but he needs to sort out a bus for Alexandra Parade first.

Argyll Ferries Substitute Bus

It was noted that the substitute bus is in operation when required, and that journeys are only between ferry terminals, no pick ups or drop offs are allowed at any other locations.

Iain MacInnes asked about the arrangements for emergency vehicles when the A82 is closed south of the Bowling roundabout, and it was agreed the Area Governance Manager would investigate and let Iain know.

Iain MacInnes spoke on walking in the area and the need for buses to drop off tourists and pick them up again.  The Area Governance Manager advised that the Community Planning Group in Oban were publicising walks and adding bus timetables to these publications.  Max Bar said that group could utilise the Council’s mini buses.  Councillor McNaughton spoke on the off road biking in the area and Gordon Ross advised that the Forestry operations can’t stop people  using their land but the private land owners can stop the routes being advertised.

David Taylor advised that the work on the Gourock linkspan should be completed by Saturday and Argyll Ferries  would then be back to two ferries.

18^th October 2013

The next scheduled meeting of the Transport Forum will be the 18^th October 2013 in the Hill Street Office.