COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 29 May 2002 at 11.00am.
PRESENT |
Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman) |
|
Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman) |
||
Mr Roderick Morrison |
Mr Alasdair G Macrae | |
Mr Alexander A Macdonald |
Mr Angus Campbell | |
Mr Angus M Graham |
Mr Donald J Macsween | |
Mr Malcolm J Graham |
Mr Donald Macdonald | |
Mr Angus Nicolson |
Mr Ronald J Mackinnon | |
APOLOGIES |
Mr Donald Maclean |
MINUTES | ||
|
T02.01 |
1 |
The Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 was approved. |
MANAGEMENT | ||
Departmental Business Plans PR33.01.12 |
2 |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing summaries of the Departmental Business Plans for each of the Comhairle's Departments. It was agreed to approve the Department Business Plans insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. |
FINANCE | ||
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002 PR110.08 |
3 |
With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002. It was agreed to approve the Report insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned. |
SEA TRANSPORT | ||
Cal Mac Winter Timetables 2002/03 T06.01 |
4 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the draft timetables that Cal Mac Limited proposed to operate on services to and within the Western Isles during the 2002/03 winter period. The Report commented on the timetables and indicated that the freight vessel operating on the Stornoway - Ullapool route would be used as freight priority rather than freight only at the discretion of the master. It was agreed: (1) to note the Cal Mac Ltd winter timetables 2002/03; |
(2) that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make representations to Cal Mac Ltd requesting that they undertake the necessary steps to notify passengers of the mistakes in the Cal Mac summer timetables in relation to multi-journey tickets; (3) that the Chairman would make representations to Highland Council requesting that they carry out improvements to Uig Pier; and (4) that the Director of Technical Services would ascertain what the implications of increasing the certification for carrying passengers on the freight vessel would be. | ||
Provision of Ferry Terminal Facilities: Eriskay and Barra T07.02 |
5 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the provision of facilities at the ferry terminals for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service. Approaches had been made to the Comhairle by a number of individuals wishing to develop facilities at Eriskay or Barra ferry terminals. It was agreed: (1) to note the interest in the provision of facilities at the new terminals for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service; and (2) that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, be authorised to enter into discussions with interested parties with regard to an increase in size to accommodate a café and enter into franchise agreements provided the additional external finance was forthcoming. |
Sound of Barra Vehicular Ferry Infrastructure T06.02.04 |
6 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed programme of works for the Sound of Barra vehicular ferry infrastructure. The works would include the upgrading of existing roads on Eriskay and Barra, the provision of fixed navigational aids in the Sound of Barra and the provision of waiting rooms at Eriskay and Barra. It was agreed: (1) to approve the proposals to upgrade existing roads on Eriskay and Barra with the works being carried out by the Area Contractors for Uist and Barra augmented by other contractors as required and the Comhairle's resurfacing contractor; (2) that the proposal to construct fixed navigational aids in the Sound of Barra be approved; (3) that the proposal to provide waiting rooms at the Eriskay and Barra terminals be approved; and (4) that the Director of Technical Services would keep local Members and community councils informed of proposals for the roadworks. |
Carriage of Bicycles on Inter-island and Mainland Ferries T06.02.04 |
7 |
With reference to item 130 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 November 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report on the possibility of free carriage of bicycles on all ferries serving the Western Isles. The Report indicated that Cal Mac Ltd charged between £1.00 - £2.00 for the carriage of bicycles on Western Isles services although these charges would not apply if the passenger was travelling on either multi-journey, hopscotch or six journey tickets. It was agreed: (1) to note that the small charge for the carriage of bicycles on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries was waived when multi-journey tickets are purchased by travellers; and |
(2) that there would be no charge for the carriage of bicycles on the Sound of Barra ferry service if multi-crossing tickets were used by the passenger. | ||
AIR SERVICES | ||
Tackling the Cost of Air Travel T04.02 |
8 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report updating the Committee on proposals being pursued though HITRANS to reduce the cost of air travel to peripheral island communities. The Comhairle had been involved through HITRANS in commissioning a study by Cranfield University into the operation of Public Service Obligations throughout Europe. Many European Countries dealt with the issue of high air fares through state intervention and many air routes throughout Europe enjoyed the benefits of PSO's. The Report indicated that HITRANS had agreed to commission further work in order to establish the potential benefits in terms of air fares and the implications for any subsidy. It was agreed to: (1) adopt the objectives detailed in Section 6 of the Report; and (2) build on the consensus with the other island authorities and, through HITRANS, to present the strongest possible case to both the Scottish and National Governments for tackling the cost of air travel. |
Comparative Scale of Charges at Airports T04.01 |
9 |
With reference to item 1 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a comparison of Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd's scale of charges with other UK airports. It was agreed to note the Report. |
Inter-island Air Service Public Service Obligation T04.02.03A |
10 |
The Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report proposing the advertisement of the Public Service Obligations in respect of the Stornoway/Benbecula and Benbecula/Barra air routes. It was proposed that the PSO's be advertised on the existing basis in respect of capacity of aircraft and fares. The Report indicated that the contracts for the provision of air services from Stornoway/Benbecula and Benbecula/Barra were due to terminate on 31 March 2003 which would correspond with the termination date for the contracts awarded by the Scottish Executive in respect of Glasgow/Barra and the Royal Mail contract. It was agreed; (1) that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to submit the Public Service Obligations and background information appended to the Report to the Scottish Executive for publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities; (2) to approve the terms of the contract documents in relation to contractual penalties and non-operation on public holidays as outlined in the body of the Report; and (3) the Director of Technical Services would examine whether a condition in the contract for the inter-island air service could be introduced whereby the operator would be required to identify the number of people who were unable to get seats on the flight. |
Air Services Public Service Obligation Glasgow/Barra Air Service T04.02 |
11 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the progress being made by the Scottish Executive in the promotion of the PSO and tendering exercise for the Glasgow/Barra air service. The Report detailed a draft response to the Scottish Executive which outlined the Comhairle's views on the operation of the air service. |
It was agreed that: (1) the terms of the Director of Technical Services' response to the Scottish Executive in respect of the Public Service Obligation for the Glasgow/Barra route be noted; and (2) the Director of Technical Services would ask the Scottish Executive to examine whether a condition in the contract for the Glasgow/Barra air service could be introduced whereby the operator would be required to identify the number of people who were unable to get seats on the flight. | ||
ROAD TRANSPORT | ||
Scotland's Transport: The Scottish Executive's Transport Delivery Report T08.01 |
12 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Scottish Executive's proposals on transport which had been recently published in the Transport Delivery Report. The Report detailed works which had been provided in the Western Isles to date. It was agreed: (1) to acknowledge the recent transport improvements in the Western Isles; and (2) that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make further representations regarding the need for funding for road projects and reductions in transport costs. |
Rural Transport Fund: Community and Public Transport Services T08.01 |
13 |
With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of the expenditure on additional public and community transport projects funded from the Rural Transport Fund. The Report indicated that proposals had been received for two new initiatives to be supported by the Fund. Two further requests had been received seeking changes to bus services currently funded from the Rural Transport Fund. It was agreed that: (1) funding from the Rural Transport Fund be available to the Cardais Group in Uig and Voluntary Action Lewis for local services as detailed in the Report; (2) provision be made for evening bus services to the Karting Centre on the Lochs Road during the summer months, funded from the Rural Transport Fund; and (3) the Friday evening bus service to Bernera be reinstated for the remainder of the summer timetable, with future provision dependant on patronage. |
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person. | ||
Special Needs Transport: Contract Termination SW05 |
14 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of Special Needs Contract XSY3. The Report indicated that the operator had been ill and had not been able to undertake the contract himself for some time. Discussions with alternative operators to provide the service had been unsuccessful. |
It was agreed: (1) to homologate the decision of the Director of Technical Services to terminate contract XSY3 on the grounds of ill health; and (2) that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to re-tender contract XSY3 if required. | ||
ROADS | ||
Programme and Progress: Roads T08.01 |
15 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of roads. It was agreed to note the Report. |
Additional Revenue Allocation: Resurfacing and Surface Dressing T12.62.01 |
16 |
With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the resurfacing and surface dressing work to be funded by the additional revenue allocation provided by the Scottish Executive to tackle the backlog of repairs to local roads and bridges. The Report indicated that, while the funding had been allocated to the 2001/2002 financial year, the money could be carried forward provided the resources were expended by September 2002. It was agreed to approve the additions to the Roads Revenue Programme for 2002/03 as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Report. |
It was agreed, in terms of Standing Order 67, to suspend Contract Regulation 7 to allow the following matter to be considered. | ||
Additional White Lining Contract T12.62 |
17 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval to extend the White Lining Contract by one year. Tender documents for the provision of white lining in the Western Isles were received from five contractors in June 2001 and the schedule of rates submitted by Prismo Contracting Services provided the lowest rate and this tender was accepted. Prismo have indicated that they would hold the rates, as quoted in June 2001, for a further year. The Report further indicated that Technical Services staff were satisfied by the work undertaken by Prismo and considered the proposals to extend the contract to be good value for money. It was agreed to extend the White Lining Contract with Prismo until 31 March 2003 on the basis that the rates for the previous year would be held for the current financial year. |
Sale of Surplus Roads Plant T08.01 |
18 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking authority to negotiate the sale of surplus plant used in the execution of engineering works. The plant was surplus to requirements due to streamlining of operations and the fact that the DSO was no longer the area contractor in Lewis and Barra. The Report proposed that plant maintenance personnel value the surplus plant and the sale be negotiated to the satisfaction of the Director of Finance with any subsequent surplus plant being auctioned. It was agreed to approve the negotiation and sale of surplus plant at the Comhairle's depots with the sale to be negotiated to the satisfaction of the Director of Finance, and any subsequent surplus equipment be auctioned. |
Winter Maintenance Proposals T08.05.04 |
19 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the preliminary output from the Winter Maintenance Review that had highlighted that the current in-house management of salt and operational arrangements would be the appropriate way forward. |
It was agreed to: (1) approve the continuation of the current in-house management of salt and operational arrangements; (2) approve the use of the DSO in Harris and where practicable in Uist; (3) approve the use of the in-house response teams where appropriate in Lewis and Uist; and (4) go out to tender to contractors for the areas shown on the map displayed at the meeting for a 4 year period with 2 optional one year extensions based on the negotiated tender procedure. | ||
Bridge Strengthening T12.65 |
20 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of Halladale Bridge, North Harris. An assessment of the bridge indicated that beams were extensively corroded and little remained of the bottom flange in places. The Report suggested that the bridge should be replaced with a culvert provided a flood study proved that such a culvert would be practical. If a culvert was not appropriate a new deck should be provided. It was agreed to include Halladale Bridge, North Harris in the Bridge Strengthening/Replacement Programme for 2002/03. |
Launch of Road Safety Plan T08.05.06 |
21 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing the Committee of the launch of the current Road Safety Plan for 2002/2005. It was agreed to note the Report. |
Northern Periphery Roadex II Project T08.01 |
22 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of the outcome of the first three year ROADEX Project. It was proposed that the Comhairle should participate in the second three-year project of technical exchange and co-operation across the Northern European Periphery roads district. The Comhairle's commitment would be £20k over the three-year term of the project. It was agreed that the Comhairle, through the Technical Services Department, should become involved in the Roadex II Project with a maximum commitment of £20k over three years to be funded from Road Maintenance Budgets. |
It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to a particular employee of the Comhairle. | ||
Street Lighting Review T12.63 |
23 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the outcome of the Best Value Review of Street Lighting. The Review had highlighted the need for efficiency savings which could best be achieved by the removal of the Client/Contractor split. Personnel from the existing DSO should work with the existing Technical Services personnel to provide the core of the street lighting maintenance service. It was agreed: (1) to appoint an approved electrician, an apprentice electrician and two labourers in Lewis/Harris and an electrician in Uist/Barra to provide, with existing Technical Services personnel, the core of the street lighting maintenance service and that the posts be recruited internally; |
(2) that a hoist be retained by the Technical Services Department in each of the two areas; (3) that the Director of Technical Services would confirm ownership of the hoist in the Southern Isles; and (4) to the commencement of partnering arrangements from interested contractors on the Comhairle's approved list to deal with peaks in work load. | ||
Amenity Lighting for Areas on Unadopted Roads from Sustainable Communities Funding T12.63 |
24 |
With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning requests from Members to have street lights and amenity lights funded from the Sustainable Communities allocation installed on unadopted roads. The Report indicated that the Comhairle had previously only installed amenity lights away from adopted roads where a community facility such as a village hall or church was involved. It was agreed that amenity lights may be erected on unadopted roads serving a number of private houses and funded from the Sustainable Communities allocation. |
Parking and Walking: Stornoway Centre T09.01.01 |
25 |
With reference to item 130 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 November 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted proposals to advertise Traffic Orders regulating traffic in the centre of Stornoway. The Car Park Member/Officer Working Group had given consideration to the overall management of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in Stornoway Town Centre and the proposals had received general support at a public meeting. It was agreed: (1) that a Traffic Order should be formally advertised to introduce a complete ban on vehicles entering Point Street and Francis Street between Castle Street and Kenneth Street and Bank Street and Cromwell Street between North Beach Street and South Beach Street between the hours of 10.30am and 7.00pm every day; (2) to introduce a two hour maximum stay parking order for part of the existing area of Perceval Square and the new parking area on South Beach between Castle Street and Bank Street. Parking Discs would be provided to the public free of charge; (3) that a Traffic Order should be formally advertised to cover the existing disabled parking spaces on South Beach, Francis Street, and new spaces all as detailed on the plan displayed at the meeting; (4) that any capital costs associated with the implementation of the Traffic Order would be met from the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Budget for 2002/03 and 2003/04 as required; and (5) that the existing Traffic Regulation Orders be consolidated to create a comprehensive regulation scheme for the town centre area. |
Drainage at 1 Back, Isle of Lewis T08.01 |
26 |
With reference to item 49 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 March 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of drainage at 1 Back, Isle of Lewis. The Comhairle had previously agreed to exercise its powers to construct or lay a drain at 1 Back at a cost of £2.5k in view of the particular circumstances of the case. Following an objection by the croft tenant and consideration by the Scottish Executive, for the Comhairle to exercise its power to undertake drainage works would require the provision of manholes and pipes at an estimated cost of £20k |
It was agreed that, in light of the cost to the Comhairle and the precedents that may be created, the Comhairle do not proceed with option 4 of the Report at the Transportation Committee of 28 March 2001 and that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to undertake further discussions in order to find a technical solution. | ||
B890 Grogarry/Loch Skipport Road Proposed Weight Limit T08.01 |
27 |
With reference to item 112 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of proposals to introduce an 8 tonne weight limit on the B890 Grogarry/Loch Skipport Road. The main commercial user of the road was Marine Harvest Maconnell Ltd who had a fish farm at the end of the road. The road required considerable maintenance works which would be subject to damage if heavy trucks continued to use the road. It was agreed that informal discussions with the main commercial user of the road should be continued prior to proceeding further with the proposal to introduce an 8 tonne weight limit on the B890 Grogarry/Loch Skipport Road. |
PERFORMANCE REVIEW | ||
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12 |
28 |
The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. |
ADDITIONAL ITEM | ||
The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provision of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to allow consideration of the timetable for the Sound of Barra winter timetable in order to enable the timetable to be published in Cal Mac's winter ferry booklet. | ||
Sound of Barra Winter Timetable T06.01.02 |
29 |
The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed winter timetable for the Comhairle's Sound of Barra Vehicular Ferry Service. The Report outlined the responses which had been received from Community Councils in respect of the timetable. The Report further indicated that it was proposed to include the Sound of Barra winter timetable in Cal Mac's winter ferry booklet. It was agreed to approve the Sound of Barra Winter Timetable for the winter period 20 October 2002 - 17 April 2003 as detailed in the Report. |
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