COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 1 February 2005 at 2.00pm

PRESENT	Mr Donald Manford (Chairman)
	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr John Mackay
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Alexander M Mackintosh
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Donald Maclean

Tribute:  Mr Angus M Graham		The Chairman referred to Mr Angus M Graham, Member for Gress, who was unwell and, on behalf of the Committee, wished Mr Graham a speedy recovery.
Tribute:  Mr Martin C Taylor		The Chairman referred to Mr Martin C Taylor, Member for Benbecula North, who was unwell and, on behalf of the Committee, wished Mr Taylor a speedy recovery.
Tribute:  Mr Murdo Murray		The Chairman referred to Mr Murdo Murray, Director of Technical Services who was attending his last Meeting of the Transportation Committee.  The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr Murray for his years of service and wished him well for the future.
		MINUTES
Transportation Committee	1	The Minute of Meeting of 7 December 2004 was approved.
Stornoway Town Centre Permit Sub-Committee	2	The Minutes of Meetings of the Stornoway Town Centre Permit Sub-Committee of 17 November 2004; 2 December 2004; 9 December 2004; 14 December 2004; 17 December 2004; 22 December 2004; and 14 January 2005 were noted.
Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 10 December 2004	3	The Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 10 December 2004 was noted.
		Mr Malcolm J Graham declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item 4.
Taxi/Private Hire Car Licensing Panel	4	The Minute of Meeting of the Taxi/Private Hire Car Licensing Panel of 22 December 2004 was noted.
Declarations of Interest	5	Mr Malcolm J Graham declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of items 4 and 26. Mr Alex A Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of item 11. Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of item 17. Mrs Annie Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of item 24.
		FINANCE
Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring 2004/05 PR110.05	6	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle’s Forecast Revenue Outturn for 2004/05 at the end of the third quarter.  A summary of the financial performance to the end of December 2004 was appended to the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
Third Quarter Capital Monitoring 2004/05 PR110.03	7	The Acting Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning progress with the 2004/05 Capital Programme as at 31 December 2004. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned.
Revenue Estimates 2005/06	8	The Acting Director of Finance submitted the draft Revenue Estimates for 2005/06. It was agreed to recommend approval of the Draft Revenue Estimates 2005/2006, insofar as the Committee’s interests were concerned. Arising from consideration of this item, it was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle the inclusion of the road at 35 Knock on the list of unadopted roads.
		AIR TRANSPORT
Highlands and Islands Airports T04.01	9	With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 7 December 2004, the Director of Technical Services gave an update in relation to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited’s proposed charges and security recoveries for 2005/06.  Representations had been made to HIAL and the Scottish Executive in relation to the removal of the Short Distance Rebate. It was agreed to note the Report.
Loganair Proposals for Mainland Services T04.02.03	10	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals by Loganair to introduce four services per day with a Saab 340 on the Stornoway – Glasgow route instead of the current two services per day with the ATP Monday – Friday.  The Report further indicated that there would be two services with the Saab 340 on Saturdays.  The new services would be introduced from April 2005. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
		FERRY SERVICES
		Mr Alex A MacDonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item 11.
Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services – Draft Service Specification Consultation T06.01	11	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the consultation document on the draft Service Specification for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services.  A Meeting with representatives from the Comhairle, Highland Council and Argyll and Bute Councils had been arranged and it was proposed to authorise the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Chairman to respond to the consultation document taking on board comments from Members and the outcome of the Joint Council’s Meeting. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised, in consultation with the Chairman of Transportation Committee, to submit a response to the consultation document taking account of the views of Members expressed at the Committee and the output of the Meeting of the Joint Council representatives on 17 February 2005.
Tanker Traffic in the Minches - PSSA Designation DS61.01	12	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposal, approved by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), to designate part of Western European Waters including the Minches and West of Hebrides as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area  (PSSA). It was emphasised in the Report that the PSSA was a sea area requiring special protection through action by the IMO because of its significance for recognised ecological, socio-economic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities. It was stated in the Report that the designation was likely to strengthen the case for control and routing of vessels through the Minches and West of Hebrides.  It was further stated in the Report that the only protective measure, which the IMO proposed, at this point, was to prohibit the carriage of heavy grades of oil in vessels of more than 600 DWT, except in double hull tankers and that for some tankers this provision would only apply from 2008. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
		PIERS
Comhairle Piers – Inspection Regime T07.02	13	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to introduce a new inspection regime for Comhairle piers with a view to improving housekeeping and health and safety.  A monthly inspection regime was undertaken by the client response team and their remit would be extended to cover housekeeping issues and monitoring would be increased to a fortnightly basis. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the powers available to the Comhairle as Harbour Authority under the terms of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Various Harbours) Harbour Revision Order 2002 be delegated to the Director of Technical Services; and (2) the Comhairle gives authority to the Director of Technical Services or such person as may be authorised by him to invoke Section 29 of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Various Harbours) Harbour Revision Order 2002 as required, for the safety and well being of the piers users.

		ROADS
Roads Revenue Programme T12.62	14	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed Roads Revenue Programme 2005/06.  A continuing maintenance programme in respect of the Western Isles Road Network was undertaken on an annual basis with maintenance works including resurfacing, surface drainage and general repairs. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the Marshall Block for the year 2005/06 on the basis that minor changes may be required following a full visual inspection of the road network and the compilation of a detailed programme; and (2) authorise the Director of Technical Services to commence with expenditure against the relevant headings in advance of the approval of the detailed programme should the need arise.
Road Strengthening Through the Prudential Framework T08.05	15	With reference to item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 September 2004 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to proceed with the implementation of a £1million road strengthening programme for the Western Isles with funding being provided equally from balances and through the prudential framework. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to defer consideration of this matter until assessment of the extent of the recent storm damage was completed and pending the outcome of negotiations with the Scottish Executive. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that the future Report on the Road Strengthening Programme would include information on the methodology adopted to identify priorities.
Winter Maintenance T08.05.04	16	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the winter maintenance budget as at 11 January 2005.  It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
		Mr Iain Morrison declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
Public Transport Funding - Future Priorities T01.19	17	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that future public transport funding would be allocated through the Regional Transport Partnership.  Additional funding would be available in the current financial year and consideration was being given to the provision of low floor accessible buses.  The Report detailed the proposal to purchase three low floor buses for the West Side Service as it served a number of local tourist locations and could offer improved access to these attractions. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the proposal to bid for funding for three accessible vehicles together with the associated siteworks subject to funding being available from the Scottish Executive; and (2) authorise the Directors of Corporate Services and Technical Services to negotiate with the existing operator, within the existing contract costs, to incorporate these vehicles into the West Side service on the basis that such negotiations would reflect all savings and costs to the operator as a result of the proposed contractual amendment and, in the event that such negotiations could not be concluded to the satisfaction of the Director of Corporate Services, a further Report would be submitted to the next Meeting of the Committee.
Verge Cutting Policy T08.05	18	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's current Verge Cutting Policy.  In addition to the approaches to Stornoway verges were also cut where required from a road safety perspective.  The Report further indicated that some Community Councils had arranged for grass cutting within their area having secured grant funding from a variety of sources. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle continue with the existing Policy in relation to verge cutting.
Spinal Route:  Future Schemes T08.01	19	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing six schemes for the Western Isles Spinal Route which could be funded through HISTP.  It was proposed that prioritisation of the Schemes would be undertaken using the criteria previously used for the Roads to Communities Programme which was in line with the new STAG appraisal methodology. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to defer consideration of this matter until assessment of the extent of the recent storm damage was completed and pending the outcome of negotiations with the Scottish Executive.
Temporary Speed Limit:  Spinal Route Contracts T08.01	20	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking homologation of a decision to introduce a temporary speed limit through the Spinal Route road works in Harris.  The Report indicated that an application would be made to Scottish Ministers to extend the temporary order to cover the remainder of the contract period.  It was further proposed to introduce a similar speed limit restriction for the proposed Spinal Route improvement in North Uist. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) homologate the decision of the Director of Technical Services to introduce a temporary 30mph speed limit covering both sections of the spinal route in Harris which had commenced on 10 January 2005; and (2) approve the application to Scottish Ministers to extend the initial three month approval to cover the entire duration of the contract works; and (3) approve the introduction of a similar speed limit order through the proposed spinal route improvements on the A867, Clachan to Druim Reallasger in North Uist should a request be made by the Contractor.
Cattle Grid Pilot Proposal T08.05	21	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a proposal to use HOPKINS quick fit cattle grids throughout the Western Isles.  The grids would be used to replace existing cattle grids on lightly trafficked side roads. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve: (1) that HOPKINS or equivalent type grids be used for the replacement of existing grids on lightly trafficked side roads throughout the Western Isles; and (2) the installation of HOPKINS cattle grids as part of the Vatersay Village Enhancement Scheme on a pilot basis.
Woodland Nursery T08.05	22	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to the proposal to establish a Comhairle tree nursery to provide a facility where stock could be produced and maintained for use in Comhairle projects such as road upgrading. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle; (1) support the establishment of a tree nursery; (2) allow the provision of in-kind technical support from Technical Services staff up to £2,500 per annum for the first three years of the nursery; (3) support the nursery through contract procedures and that only stock of appropriate height/type would be utilised on road contracts to the satisfaction of the Director of Technical Services; and (4) authorise the Director of Technical Services and the Director for Sustainable Communities to bring forward a Report to a future series, seeking approval of the detailed arrangements for the day to day management of the facility.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following item 23 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 amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle.
Compulsory Purchase Order T08.05	23	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a proposal to proceed with a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of land at 4 Upper Shader.  The land would be used to help improve Cleit junction which had a poor vertical and horizontal alignment and had been the scene of a number of vehicular accidents. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorise the Director of Corporate Services to obtain a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of the area of ground at no. 4 Upper Shader (Cleit Junction) extending to 60m^2 or thereby at the District Valuer’s valuation.
		Mrs Annie Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item 24.
Town Centre Order/Permit Scheme Update T01.21	24	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to the operation of the Stornoway Town Centre Traffic Order.  The Report detailed the outcome of Meetings held with local town centre businesses to discuss the Traffic Order.  A number of suggested changes to the management of traffic were proposed and it was suggested that these proposals be fully evaluated and a Report be brought back to a future Meeting.  The Report further proposed that the short term parking in Perceval Square Car Park be extended for a further six month period which would enable the town centre Traffic Orders to be coterminous and hence, all reviewed together.  It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the extension of the Experimental Traffic Order for short term parking in Perceval Square for a further six month period; and (2) note the views expressed by local businesses and approves that a Report detailing the consequences of the proposed changes, together with any further representation made by other businesses, is brought to the next Meeting of the Transportation Committee. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend to the Comhairle that the Director of Technical Services examine the operation of the traffic lights in Stornoway town centre.
		SALE OF LAND
Request to Purchase an Area of Land at Barra Airport T04.01	25	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing a request from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd to purchase an area of ground at Barra Airport.  The Report indicated that the area of land requested was held on the Transportation Account and the Director of Technical Services had indicated that he was agreeable to the proposed sale. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve that the area of land shown on the plan appended to the Report extending to approximately two hundred and eighty square metres be sold to HIAL at a price to be determined by the District Valuer and on such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, should determine.
		TAXI LICENSING
		Mr Malcolm J Graham declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item 26.
Fares in Respect of Taxi/Private Hire Car Licensing CH04	26	With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 3 November 2004 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report reviewing the current level of fares for taxi and private hire car licensing in the Western Isles.  The Comhairle had consulted on a revised fare structure and one response was received in relation to the consultation process.  The Report detailed the response. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorise the Director of Corporate Services to submit a Report to the next Meeting examining further options for fare scales in respect of taxi/private hire cars including, without prejudice to the foregoing generality, a comparison with mainland fares, and that no amendment to the existing fare structure be made in the meantime.
		FINANCE
Use of 2003/04 Year End Surplus PR110.01	27	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the planned use of revenue funds carried forward from 2003/04.  It was indicated in the Report that the total surplus carried forward from 2003/04 within the Technical Services Department totalled £176,423 which equated to 2% of the controllable budget.  A breakdown of the planned use of the underspend was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the allocation of revenue funds carried forward from the financial year 2003/04.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	28	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing those Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50(B) 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended the following three items be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow the Committee to take a view on the matters.
Western Isles Spinal Route (North Uist) T08.01	29	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking the approval of the select list of tenderers for the Spinal Route North Uist Contract.  The Project would include the construction of 5.7 killometers of double width road in North Uist with construction due to commence in June 2005. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle authorises the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Transportation Committee to determine the Select List of Tenderers for the Western Isles Spinal Route North Uist Contract.
Inter-island Air Service PSO	30	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report proposing the advertisement of the Public Service Obligations in respect of the Stornoway/Benbecula and Benbecula/Barra routes.  It was proposed that the PSOs would be advertised on the existing basis as to capacity of the aircraft and fares with the provision in respect of the Benbecula/Barra route for the aircraft utilised to be capable of landing on the airstrip at Traigh Mhor. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) authorises the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, 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; and (2) agrees to include the option of the 30% reduction in fares in the contract documents for the Stornoway/Benbecula and Benbecula//Barra routes.
Visit to Aran Islands	31	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the outcome of a recent visit to the Aran Islands, Ireland. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.