Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by:

Councillor Audrey Forrest

Debbie Donald, Cairndow Community Council

Graeme Revill, Kilmun Community Council

Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer

Kenny Aitken, Transport Scotland

No declarations of interest were intimated.

The minute of the previous meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on the 11^th March 2019 was approved as a correct record.

Outcome

To forum agreed to request the following updates:

·         The date the work on carriageway roundels and additional signage at Colintraive is programmed for; and

·         Clarification of discussions with West Coast Motors regarding the extension of the current service towards Castle Toward.

It was agreed that the next meetings of the Cowal Transport Forum would be held on:

• Monday 23^rd September 2019; and

• Monday 9^th December 2019

The Chair requested nominations for an appointee to serve as the Forum’s representative on Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group.

Outcome

The Forum agreed to appoint Willie Lynch, Dunoon Community Council, as the representative to the Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group.

Simon Richmond reported that over the winter period passenger numbers were down but had improved along with the better weather, adding that in general passenger numbers were up on the same period last year.  Mr Richmond acknowledged that there had been cancellations over that period, adding that the weather related ones were determined by the Masters and were solely down to ensuring the health and safety of passengers

It was reported that the MV Argyll Flyer had been rebranded and that the MV Ali Cat would undergo a similar process in October. Mr Richmond confirmed that there were no immediate plans to replace the existing vessels but that work was planned to replace mechanisms within the engines.

There had been an increase in violence and aggression directed towards Caledonian MacBrayne staff. Sergeant Watt responded that Police Scotland would happily work with Caledonian MacBrayne to respond to this.

Concerns were raised that the Road Equivalent Tariff had resulted in higher fares on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service compared to the longer Wemyss Bay to Bute service and that consideration must be given to readdressing this inconsistency.

Outcome

1.         It was requested that Caledonian MacBrayne investigate whether it would be possible to use historical data to determine passenger usage over a longer period, rather than over a period of 12 months.

2.         Caledonian MacBrayne to confirm that all cancelled sailings when Western Ferries are operating are covered by the replacement bus service.

3.         That the Chair contact Transport Scotland and highlight the concerns raised regarding the pricing structure of tickets for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service.

That the Chair contact the Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and request that the pricing structure of Gourock to Dunoon ferry service be discussed at the next Area Committee.

Gordon Ross reported that of 15,000 sailing between October 2018 to March 2019 only 31 had been cancelled, which was a far better ratio that other service providers. Mr Ross anticipated that the linkspan would be installed during July 2019 and fully operational soon thereafter. At the conclusion of the linkspan development attention would then be given to building a new office block.

Mr Ross voiced his frustration at the lack of investment being made to shore-side infrastructure within and around Dunoon Pier.

The Chair responded that it would not be prudent for the Council to invest in improved berthing facilities for the present vessels at the moment as there were no guarantees of the future structure of ferry services and that a working group had been established to map the best course of action. Councillor Reid also highlighted that pressure should be brought on the Scottish Government via MSPs to encourage investment.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

The Chair reported that a working group had been established which is being led by Transport Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and CalMac to look at what improvements could be made to the Shore Side Infrastructure at Dunoon.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer had submitted apologies to the meeting, he therefore provided the forum with a written update on each item listed on the agenda.

Cathleen Russell, Colglen Community Council, reported that there was disconnect between ferry and bus timetables which negatively impact on people travel plans should one of the services fail.

Willie Lynch, Dunoon Community Council, shared Mrs Russell’s concerns and stated that he had had direct experience of limited public transport integration.

Gordon Ross acknowledged the frustration of the Forum, stating that he would forward suggestions from the Forum regarding the integration of the Western Ferry timetable and would discuss options with McGill's Buses.

Outcomes

1.         Caledonian MacBrayne agreed to share contact details of the Integrated Transport Officer and would consider any suggestions made for changes to the timetable to improve transport integration.

The Chair to contact West Coast Motors to enquire what, if any, consideration had been given to the integration of the 489 service with ferry services.

Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer had submitted apologies to the meeting, he therefore provided the forum with a written update on the following items.

Unfortunately we do not have sufficient funds to extend the last journey from Lochgoilhead/Corrow Farm down to Carrick Castle. While the management and tendering of the service is performed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, we do contribute to the costs of the route within our area of Argyll. As such we would have to meet the full cost of extending the service, and this would be in the region of an additional £180 a week to implement this change

Officers are currently in discussion with West Coast Motors to see if a cost-neutral solution can be worked out, without disrupting current network.

No further update on this item was provided.

Outcome

1.         The Chair to contact Transport Scotland and raise concerns regarding the failure of the turning circle to resolve ongoing issues at the Bus Stop at Rest and Be Thankful and to further request that consideration be given to installing a layby on the Glasgow to Campbeltown side of the A83.

2.         Police Scotland to highlight the ongoing parking issues to Officers and that, when appropriate, enforcement action should be taken.

3.         The Forum requested clarification on how many fines had been issued since the introduction of the existing Traffic Regulation Order and what progress had been taken regarding the installation of CCTV at the location.

Due to staff shortages through long term sickness and retirals, Roads and Amenity Services have not, as yet, produced a Cowal booklet advertising the Dial-a-Bus.  The Community Transport Officer’s post will be out on MyJobScotland soon, once appointed the service will proceed with booklet production.

No further update on this item was provided.

Roads and Amenity Services reported that the intention is to have this installed by the end of July/start of August 2019, possibly sooner if weather/workload is favourable.

No further update on this item was provided.

A representative from Transport Scotland was not present at the meeting and no written update was submitted.

The Chair reported that the VMS system had been passed to the Council to operate and that Transport Scotland had trained Council officers. The solar panels would be fixed by BEAR Scotland.

A representative from Transport Scotland was not present at the meeting and no written update was submitted.

Sergeant David Watt, Police Scotland, had nothing specific to report but welcomed questions from the Forum.

Forum members expressed concern about speeding on the High Road between Dunoon and Sandbank. It was also discussed that slow drivers can be as much of a hazard as those driving at excessive speed.   

Outcome

Police Scotland to monitor possible speeding violations on the Dunoon to Sandbank Road.

Police Scotland agreed to investigate whether there was data held regarding the number of fines issued concerning for the reason of driving too slowly.

Update by Iain Catterwell, Project Officer – Argyll Timber Transport Group

Roads Representatives had submitted apologies to the meeting and a written update was tabled.

Dunoon Pier

Officers are currently awaiting one objection to be withdrawn leaving one objection outstanding. If this can be withdrawn after more discussion the next stage of the TRO can be processed, which is advertising that the correct procedure has been adhered to and a date for the implantation will be given. Failure to remove objection would result in involvement of The Reporter from the Scottish Government.

Outcome

To request clarity on any proposed changes to the kerb lines associated with the TRO.

Bus Bays at Queens Hall; Tudor Team Rooms and Morrisons

Revised signage requires to be erected and also modification to existing TRO/s to reflect use of bays by local buses only.

The area has been marked out, bollards and chains in store awaiting erection. Councillor Jim Anderson added that he anticipated that the work would be completed by July 2019.

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.

Speed Surveys at Millhouse had been completed while revisits would be required for Cairndow, Oakbank at Sandbank and Kirn.

The outstanding surveys would be undertaken when the equipment becomes available. This equipment is shared between Bute and Cowal and Helensburgh and Lomond

Parking at the bottom of Shinty Brae had been investigated and only occurs when occupants of the properties have visitors.

No action had been taken at Kames to date.

A request to introduce a 30mph speed restriction at Millhouse would be forwarded to Asst. Network Manager, (NRSWA, Traffic and Development) for consideration.

Outcome

To note the frustration of the Forum at the lack of officer attendance and request that in future officers attend in person, or at a minimum, are available by either phone or video link.

Grit and detritus removal at Kilmun and Strone would be picked up during cyclic maintenance programme.