Agenda and minutes

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to report proposed alterations to the carriageway markings in the vicinity of Junction 33.

Further to Minute No. 299 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services held on 21^st May, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, which proposed alterations to the carriageway markings in the vicinity of M1 Junction 33 as part of the Highways Agency’s Integrated Traffic Management Pilot Project.

Reference was made to the study being carried out by WS Atkins as part of the national initiative to improve traffic flow and to an identified accident problem at the exit arm of the motorway roundabout onto the A630 Rotherway.  There was also a problem with poor visibility at this location.

Proposals to amend lane markings were illustrated on Drawing Nos.  503585/TC/M1J33/1001A & 1002A, and would include lane destination text to supplement lane marking arrows.   Upright lane destination signs would also be provided on the approach arms to the roundabout.

It was pointed out that the effect of the proposals would continue to be monitored as part of the Integrated Traffic Management Scheme and should they adversely affect the capacity at this location a further review would be carried out.

The costs of the carriageway markings and signage would be funded jointed by the Highways Agency with a contribution from Rotherham’s LTP allocation.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed amendments to the carriageway markings, as prepared by WS Atkins on behalf of the Highways Agency and associated partners and shown on Drawing No’s 503585/TC/M1J33/1001A & 1002A, be approved for implementation.

(2)        That the effect of the altered carriageway markings be monitored and that the results be presented, along with the results of the other ITM measures, to a future meeting.

Robin Lambert, Markets General Manager, to report.

-           to consider an application to hold a new funfair on Thornhill Recreation Ground.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, detailing receipt of an application from a funfair operator to hold a new four day funfair, as a one-off trial, on the Thornhill Recreation Ground, Ward 13, Rotherham West, on operating dates to be agreed.

It was reported that an initial site visit had been carried out with the Ward Councillors and the funfair operator.  The Emergency Services had also been consulted.  No objections had been received from either the local Councillors or the emergency services. 

Other consultation included with the Council’s Health and Safety Section, Traffic Management, Parking Services, Planning Services and Greenspaces. These Services also had no objections to the fair although the Health and Safety section wished to be involved.

It was, however, acknowledged that there may be localised parking problems for the duration of the funfair and there may be access difficulties.  It was anticipated that there could be initial complaints from local residents in respect of noise etc.

Details of the anticipated revenue, and split between Markets and Commercial Services, were given in the report.

Resolved:-  That, subject to liaison with the Transportation Unit and Streetpride in respect of issues of concern about access, the application to hold a new  4 day funfair on a trial basis on the Thornhill Recreation Ground, Ward 13 Rotherham West, on dates to be agreed by the Markets General Manager, be approved in principle.

Graham Clark, Customer Liaison Manager, to report.

-           to report performance against targets.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Liaison Manager, detailing the Directorate’s performance on dealing with complaints during the period 1^st October, to 31^st December, 2007.

The following aspects were highlighted:-

-                      General overall reasonable performance

-                      Improved response to letters from the public

-                      Answering the telephone within 7 rings

It was pointed out that future reports would include comparative statistics from the other Directorates, and that the report would be submitted to the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Streetpride and Regeneration and Development Services.

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

Graham Clark, Customer Liaison Manager, to report.

-           to report statistics for complaints.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Liaison Manager, detailing complaints received by the Directorate during the period 1^st April to 31^st December, 2007.

It was pointed out that fewer complaints had progressed to either Stage 2 or 3.

It was however noted that 3 complaints had been taken to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Reference was made to the on-going cost of dealing with complaints and staff time involved.

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

Martin Beard, Parking Services Manager, to report.

-           to consider parking charges for 2008-2009.

Further to Minute No. 84 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Streetpride held on 3^rd March, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Parking Services Manager, outlining proposed parking charges for 2008-2009 to help maintain the economic operation and infrastructure of the car parks and to actively support the Local Transport Plan aims and objectives.

Reference was made to the lead in time for changes to be made to the software for the Pay and Display machines.

It was reported that the charges were broadly in line with those of neighbouring local authorities.

Also it was hoped that the short stay charges and on street parking would encourage town centre shoppers and businesses.

Consideration was therefore given to the following proposedcharges:-

On-Street Parking Charges

Off-Street Parking Charges

Wellgate Multi-storey car park – permits.

Resolved:-  That the proposed charges, as set out above, be approved for implementation with effect from 1^st April, 2008.