Minutes:
We were joined by a member of the public, Peter Sutherland who spoke in regard to the ongoing traffic and speeding issues with particular regard to Woodside.
He voiced his frustration at the lack of progress by the council addressing the speeding issues at Woodside. He asked what work will take place, when work will take place and who will be responsible for it.
The Chair asked if Mr Sutherland was concerned about a countywide strategy for road safety. Mr Sutherland replied that in his case the priority is Woodside and he is extremely frustrated by the lack of progress. The Chair clarified that the Select Committee does not pursue issues but to ensure that policy and strategy is in place and to scrutinise the processes.
The Head of Operations confirmed that since the last meeting a meeting had been convened with Usk Town Council, Llanbadoc Community Council, local County Councillors for the region and the Cabinet member along with an expert consultant and Gwent Police who spent half a day looking at options around design works to manage traffic in Usk and Woodside. He confirmed that they have not moved on the offer made by a member of the public to fund traffic cameras as long term the better option maybe the redesign of roads in and around Usk.
Mr Sutherland felt that this did not answer his questions of timescales and responsibility, he also asked about the Task and Finish group previously mentioned on road safety. The Chair informed Mr Sutherland that the group would be having their first meeting shortly, in which they will agree their terms of reference and will confirm their strategy going forward.
County Councillor V. Smith spoke as the local member of her frustration of Woodside’s exclusion from road safety discussions over a number of years and her concern for the safety of the residents who live in that area.
The Head of Operations advised due to funding issues the change of road layout may be some years away. Speed limits are in place and can be enforced by the Police.
County Councillor A. Webb voiced that there are other areas of the county equally important, giving the example of Tintern on the A466, stressing it needs to be a countywide strategy.
County Councillor V. Smith spoke of an electronic speed sign in Usk which had recently been taken down with no explanation given. The Head of Operations advised this would have been done if the sign was faulty, he also confirmed that speed limits were in place and the issue was enforcement, he will take this up with Gwent Police.
County Councillor A. Eason spoke about the longevity of signs thorough the county and that there were signs in Caldicot that no longer worked. The Head of Operations noted this and confirmed he would speak to area engineers to ensure regular inspections and maintenance was taking place.
Mr Sutherland raised the issue of a number of shipping containers at Usk Island carpark and deemed it as a change of use. He confirmed that planning enforcement officers at MCC were aware and the Chair advised this would be a local member issue and advised County Councillor V. Smith to chase MCC planning department for clarification.