MTR9903

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 10 March 1999 at 11.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Donald A Mackay

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr George Lonie

Mr Colin Campbell

Mr Donald H M Maciver

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

Mr Finlay Morrison

Review of Term

At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman made a statement reviewing the achievements of the Committee in the five year term since May 1994. He stated that the Key Tasks of the Committee had been largely implemented, with the one remaining major project, the Eriskay Causeway, on track for work to begin in the next twelve months. The Chairman thanked the officers in the Technical Services Department for all their efforts on behalf of the Committee during the past five years.

MINUTES

Transportation Committee

T02.01

18

The Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 was approved.

FINANCE

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99

PR110.08.14

19

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation account for the period 1 April 1998 - 31 December 1998.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this item, the Director of Technical Services reported that the Scottish Office had confirmed that additional funding support of £114K would be made available in 1998/99 in respect of the inter-island air service.

This was noted.

Tender Monitoring T12.62

20

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those transportation schemes with a tender price in excess of £75K.

It was agreed to note the Report.

TRANSPORT POLICY

Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland T01.08.22

21*

With reference to item 84 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the Consultation Paper on Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland. The Report commented on the various issues raised within the Consultation Document and suggested that these comments form the basis of a proposed response to the Scottish Office Development Department.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised respond to the Consultation Document on Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland on the basis of the comments contained within the Report.

Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum T01.08.22

22*

With reference to item 117 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of consultants for a Highlands and Islands Air Services Study and for the joint funding of the post of Integrated Transport Development Officer for the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum. The Report indicated that, following consultation with the Chairman, £10K had been paid by the Comhairle to the Integrated Transport Forum Association from the Rural Transport Initiative allocation which, together with similar contributions from other authorities, would enable the post to be established and filled on a part-time basis and provide funding for the air Services Study.

It was agreed to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services and arranging to pay £10K from the Rural Transport Initiative allocation for 1998/99 to the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum Association for the joint funding of a Development Officer post and a Highlands and Islands Air Services Study.

AIR TRANSPORT

British Regional Airlines: Punctuality T04.02.01

23

With reference to item 118 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the performance of British Regional Airlines on their Western Isles Routes for the three months from November 1998 - January 1999. Delays recorded during this period were less than half the average recorded during the preceding eight months in 1998. An assessment of the causes of delays had shown a significant reduction in delays resulting from technical and operational problems and the increase in the number of cancelled flights during this period was directly attributable to weather conditions.

It was agreed to note the Report.

British Regional Airlines/Loganair: Revised Fare Structures T04.02.05

24*

The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report detailing the revised fare structures to be implemented by British Regional Airlines and Loganair on 1 April 1999. The Report indicated that both Airlines would be applying a general fares increase on the Western Isles - Mainland routes from 1 April 1999 but there would be no fare increase on the inter-island service until 5 August 1999 in line with the contract specification. There would, however, be the introduction of a passenger service charge which against all air fares which would come into effect on 1 April 1999. Currently the passenger service charge was charged by airport authorities for passenger facilities provided and was levied directly by airports to the airlines. From 1 April there was a requirement for these charges to be broken down and shown as a separate tax bringing UK domestic airlines into line with the current practice throughout Europe and other parts of the world. These charges would be levied on arriving or departing passengers and were designed to cover expenses such as the provision of security, baggage facilities and other passenger amenities.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) representations be made to British Regional Airlines with regard to the fact that the increase in the "fully flexible" fares was in excess of 4%, this being higher than the approximately 3% which had been previously indicated;

(2) the proposed fares increase on the Barra to Glasgow route be noted;

(3) representations be made to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd that they change their policy to levy passenger handling and security charges on departing passengers (as per the BAA Scottish Airports), to overcome the fares anomalies for passengers making single journeys. It was likely that passengers would perceive charges on departure as being more reasonable as they utilised more of the facilities on departure than on arrival; and

(4) should the representations in (3) above fail, representations be made to British Regional Airlines to adopt a similar approach to Loganair on single fares.

SEA TRANSPORT

Cal Mac Timetables: Winter 1999/2000 T06.01.22

25*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding the draft timetables from Caledonian MacBrayne in respect of their winter services 1999/2000. Copies of the timetables for services to and within Na h-Eileanan an Iar were appended to the Report. Comments regarding each service proposal were set out. Dissatisfaction was expressed over the short consultation period afforded to the Comhairle to comment on the draft timetables.

It was agreed to recommend acceptance of the draft winter timetables 1999/2000 submitted by Caledonian MacBrayne, subject to the retention of the two sailings on Tuesdays between Stornoway and Ullapool in the period from 8 January to 4 March 2000 and two sailings on Saturdays during the same period, with the second return sailing being timed later in the day to enable groups attending events on the mainland to travel back to Stornoway on Saturday evening.

Eriskay Vehicular and Sound of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Services - Fares Review

T06.02.01 T06.01.01

T06.02.03

26*

With reference to item 28 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1998 the Director of Technical Service submitted a Report in respect of the proposed changes in fares and charges in respect of the Eriskay Vehicular and Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferries from 2 April 1999.

It was agreed that;

(1) a further one year moratorium be applied to fares increases on the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry, the RIB service and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Service; and

(2) fares and charges in respect of the Sound of Barra Ferry Service be increased by 5% overall in line with the cash planning financial model.

Eriskay Vehicular Ferry - 1998 Carriage Statistics T06.02.03

27

With reference to item 30 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the traffic carried and income generated on the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry between 1 January and 31 December 1998.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Rural Transport Initiative: Eriskay Ferry T06.02.03

28*

With reference to item 85 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the funding which had been allocated from the Rural Transport Funding Awards to provide and enhance existing ferry services in the current financial year. Eriskay Community Council had conducted a local survey which had shown that the first priority would be to seek an improved vessel to serve Eriskay in low water. A suitable vessel had been identified which would meet the aspirations of residents but, given the length in delivery period, an order for this vessel had already been placed.

It was agreed to recommend the homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services in ordering a new low water vessel for the Eriskay service.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Rural Transport Fund Community Initiative

T03.02

29*

With reference to item 85 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Social Work and Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report detailing the submissions which had been made by community groups for financial support from the Rural Transport Funding. £35K had been allocated from the Rural Transport Funding Award to provide enhancements to existing transport services to cater for the needs of the elderly and disabled and all Members and Community Councils had been asked to submit bids for financial assistance to provide these additional services within their own locality. The Report detailed the bids which had been received.

It was agreed to recommend that:

financial support be awarded to the following groups in the amounts stated:

Disability Lewis

Lochmaddy Afternoon Club

Carloway Community Council

Pairc and Kinloch Community Council

Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay

Alzheimer Scotland, Uist and Barra Project

Eriskay Development Group

£3,000

£ 735

£1,610

£7,425

£3,025

sum to be agreed

£3,675

all groups would be awarded an initial grant to cover six months costs for the scheme and would be required, after three months, to provide details of the actual operated services and subject to terms and conditions of contract in accordance with the requirements of the Rural Transport Initiative;

a grant of £10,000 be awarded to Disability Lewis towards the costs of providing a mobile scooter/wheelchair service which would be available to all visitors and residents in Lewis and Harris.

It was agreed that public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item, on the grounds that exempt information in terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(f) would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).

Mr Donald H M Maciver, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Bus Contracts: Report on Tendering

T05.01

30*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding tenders for additional bus services to be introduced under Rural Transport Initiative Funding. A Supplementary Report summarising the lowest tenders received for each service was circulated to the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend acceptance of the tenders detailed in the Supplementary Report by the Director of Technical Services.

ROADS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

31*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of road schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this matter, the Director of Technical Services reported that the Berneray Causeway was due to be officially opened on 8 April 1999. He stated that the opportunity had arisen to complete the breakwater on the North Uist side of the causeway using the existing haul road. He stated that this work could be undertaken within the cost envelope for the project.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to proceed with the construction of the breakwater on the North Uist side of the Berneray Causeway.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Road Signs and Markings

T09.04

32*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the programme of road signs and markings within the Transportation Capital Programme. The Road Safety Officer, in conjunction with the police, had surveyed a number of rural areas to assess the need for signs and markings and the information gathered displayed a great demand for improvement in both aspects. The Report detailed the substantial road safety benefit gained from road signs and markings and detailed a list of improvements.

It was agreed to recommend the homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services decision to progress the road sign and marking programme as detailed in the Report.

Bayhead Street

T12.42.01

33*

With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals for the improvement of Bayhead Street. A Meeting had taken place with NOSWA and it had been agreed that NOSWA would contribute to the costs of the final reinstatement of the main track to the improved surface which would enable additional reinforcement to be provided to reduce the potential for settlement.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the proposals for Bayhead Street as detailed on Drawing 1 Road Case A (6A 22) 32 with funding as detailed in the Report.

Comparison of Prices for Building Materials: Stornoway and Inverness

T12.62

34

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report setting out the results of a comparison survey of typical current building material prices in Inverness and Stornoway. Details of the prices were appended to the Report. It was indicated that, except in a small number of cases, prices were generally higher in Stornoway, the price differences ranging from 2% to 200%, with only two prices being lower.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Crofters Access Rights to Foreshore

T08.02

35

With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999, the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore. Appended to the Report was the opinion of Sir Crispen Agnew QC, regarding Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore, which stated that, generally, there was no specific rights conferred by legislation to Crofters to have access to work the foreshore but that Crofters could, in specific instances, have specific rights to access to the foreshore.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Review of Progress and Decisions

PR33.01.12

36

With reference to item 97 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the decisions of Transportation Committee from 1 January 1996 to 31 January 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Outstanding Action: Progress PR33.01.12

37

With reference to item to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ROADS

The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Comhairle to take a view on the matter, prior to its next meeting.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.

Rights of Access to Foreshore: Uisgebhagh Jetty

T12.58

38

The Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning access to Uisgebhagh Jetty. It was intimated in the Report that West Minch Salmon Limited had enquired whether the Comhairle would be prepared to adopt the relevant roadway to the Jetty.

It was recommended in the Report that, the Committee, for its interest:

note the situation at Uisgebhagh Jetty but that the length of road concerned be not adopted; and

that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to give a statement, on behalf of the Comhairle, in support of the maintenance of the access right to Uisgebhagh Jetty in any future Court proceedings.

It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.

___

PRESENT	Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Donald A Mackay	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Colin Campbell
	Mr Donald H M Maciver	Capt Roderick Mackinnon
	Mr Finlay Morrison

Review of Term		At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman made a statement reviewing the achievements of the Committee in the five year term since May 1994. He stated that the Key Tasks of the Committee had been largely implemented, with the one remaining major project, the Eriskay Causeway, on track for work to begin in the next twelve months. The Chairman thanked the officers in the Technical Services Department for all their efforts on behalf of the Committee during the past five years.
		MINUTES
Transportation Committee T02.01	18	The Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 was approved.
		FINANCE
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99 PR110.08.14	19	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation account for the period 1 April 1998 - 31 December 1998. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of this item, the Director of Technical Services reported that the Scottish Office had confirmed that additional funding support of £114K would be made available in 1998/99 in respect of the inter-island air service. This was noted.
Tender Monitoring T12.62	20	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those transportation schemes with a tender price in excess of £75K. It was agreed to note the Report.


		TRANSPORT POLICY
Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland T01.08.22	21*	With reference to item 84 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the Consultation Paper on Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland. The Report commented on the various issues raised within the Consultation Document and suggested that these comments form the basis of a proposed response to the Scottish Office Development Department. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised respond to the Consultation Document on Regional Transport Partnerships and the National Transport Forum for Scotland on the basis of the comments contained within the Report.
Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum T01.08.22	22*	With reference to item 117 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the appointment of consultants for a Highlands and Islands Air Services Study and for the joint funding of the post of Integrated Transport Development Officer for the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum. The Report indicated that, following consultation with the Chairman, £10K had been paid by the Comhairle to the Integrated Transport Forum Association from the Rural Transport Initiative allocation which, together with similar contributions from other authorities, would enable the post to be established and filled on a part-time basis and provide funding for the air Services Study. It was agreed to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services and arranging to pay £10K from the Rural Transport Initiative allocation for 1998/99 to the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum Association for the joint funding of a Development Officer post and a Highlands and Islands Air Services Study.
		AIR TRANSPORT
British Regional Airlines: Punctuality T04.02.01	23	With reference to item 118 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the performance of British Regional Airlines on their Western Isles Routes for the three months from November 1998 - January 1999. Delays recorded during this period were less than half the average recorded during the preceding eight months in 1998. An assessment of the causes of delays had shown a significant reduction in delays resulting from technical and operational problems and the increase in the number of cancelled flights during this period was directly attributable to weather conditions. It was agreed to note the Report.
British Regional Airlines/Loganair: Revised Fare Structures T04.02.05	24*	The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report detailing the revised fare structures to be implemented by British Regional Airlines and Loganair on 1 April 1999. The Report indicated that both Airlines would be applying a general fares increase on the Western Isles - Mainland routes from 1 April 1999 but there would be no fare increase on the inter-island service until 5 August 1999 in line with the contract specification. There would, however, be the introduction of a passenger service charge which against all air fares which would come into effect on 1 April 1999. Currently the passenger service charge was charged by airport authorities for passenger facilities provided and was levied directly by airports to the airlines. From 1 April there was a requirement for these charges to be broken down and shown as a separate tax bringing UK domestic airlines into line with the current practice throughout Europe and other parts of the world. These charges would be levied on arriving or departing passengers and were designed to cover expenses such as the provision of security, baggage facilities and other passenger amenities. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) representations be made to British Regional Airlines with regard to the fact that the increase in the "fully flexible" fares was in excess of 4%, this being higher than the approximately 3% which had been previously indicated; (2) the proposed fares increase on the Barra to Glasgow route be noted; (3) representations be made to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd that they change their policy to levy passenger handling and security charges on departing passengers (as per the BAA Scottish Airports), to overcome the fares anomalies for passengers making single journeys. It was likely that passengers would perceive charges on departure as being more reasonable as they utilised more of the facilities on departure than on arrival; and (4) should the representations in (3) above fail, representations be made to British Regional Airlines to adopt a similar approach to Loganair on single fares.
		SEA TRANSPORT
Cal Mac Timetables: Winter 1999/2000 T06.01.22	25*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding the draft timetables from Caledonian MacBrayne in respect of their winter services 1999/2000. Copies of the timetables for services to and within Na h-Eileanan an Iar were appended to the Report. Comments regarding each service proposal were set out. Dissatisfaction was expressed over the short consultation period afforded to the Comhairle to comment on the draft timetables. It was agreed to recommend acceptance of the draft winter timetables 1999/2000 submitted by Caledonian MacBrayne, subject to the retention of the two sailings on Tuesdays between Stornoway and Ullapool in the period from 8 January to 4 March 2000 and two sailings on Saturdays during the same period, with the second return sailing being timed later in the day to enable groups attending events on the mainland to travel back to Stornoway on Saturday evening.
Eriskay Vehicular and Sound of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Services - Fares Review T06.02.01 T06.01.01 T06.02.03	26*	With reference to item 28 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1998 the Director of Technical Service submitted a Report in respect of the proposed changes in fares and charges in respect of the Eriskay Vehicular and Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferries from 2 April 1999. It was agreed that; (1) a further one year moratorium be applied to fares increases on the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry, the RIB service and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Service; and (2) fares and charges in respect of the Sound of Barra Ferry Service be increased by 5% overall in line with the cash planning financial model.
Eriskay Vehicular Ferry - 1998 Carriage Statistics T06.02.03	27	With reference to item 30 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the traffic carried and income generated on the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry between 1 January and 31 December 1998. It was agreed to note the Report.
Rural Transport Initiative: Eriskay Ferry T06.02.03	28*	With reference to item 85 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the funding which had been allocated from the Rural Transport Funding Awards to provide and enhance existing ferry services in the current financial year. Eriskay Community Council had conducted a local survey which had shown that the first priority would be to seek an improved vessel to serve Eriskay in low water. A suitable vessel had been identified which would meet the aspirations of residents but, given the length in delivery period, an order for this vessel had already been placed. It was agreed to recommend the homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services in ordering a new low water vessel for the Eriskay service.
		ROAD TRANSPORT
Rural Transport Fund Community Initiative T03.02	29*	With reference to item 85 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Social Work and Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report detailing the submissions which had been made by community groups for financial support from the Rural Transport Funding. £35K had been allocated from the Rural Transport Funding Award to provide enhancements to existing transport services to cater for the needs of the elderly and disabled and all Members and Community Councils had been asked to submit bids for financial assistance to provide these additional services within their own locality. The Report detailed the bids which had been received. It was agreed to recommend that: financial support be awarded to the following groups in the amounts stated:
		Disability Lewis Lochmaddy Afternoon Club Carloway Community Council Pairc and Kinloch Community Council Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay Alzheimer Scotland, Uist and Barra Project Eriskay Development Group	£3,000 £ 735 £1,610 £7,425 £3,025 sum to be agreed £3,675
		all groups would be awarded an initial grant to cover six months costs for the scheme and would be required, after three months, to provide details of the actual operated services and subject to terms and conditions of contract in accordance with the requirements of the Rural Transport Initiative; a grant of £10,000 be awarded to Disability Lewis towards the costs of providing a mobile scooter/wheelchair service which would be available to all visitors and residents in Lewis and Harris.
		It was agreed that public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item, on the grounds that exempt information in terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(f) would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle).
		Mr Donald H M Maciver, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Bus Contracts: Report on Tendering T05.01	30*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding tenders for additional bus services to be introduced under Rural Transport Initiative Funding. A Supplementary Report summarising the lowest tenders received for each service was circulated to the Committee. It was agreed to recommend acceptance of the tenders detailed in the Supplementary Report by the Director of Technical Services.
		ROADS
Programme and Progress T08.01	31*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of road schemes. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of this matter, the Director of Technical Services reported that the Berneray Causeway was due to be officially opened on 8 April 1999. He stated that the opportunity had arisen to complete the breakwater on the North Uist side of the causeway using the existing haul road. He stated that this work could be undertaken within the cost envelope for the project. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to proceed with the construction of the breakwater on the North Uist side of the Berneray Causeway. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Road Signs and Markings T09.04	32*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the programme of road signs and markings within the Transportation Capital Programme. The Road Safety Officer, in conjunction with the police, had surveyed a number of rural areas to assess the need for signs and markings and the information gathered displayed a great demand for improvement in both aspects. The Report detailed the substantial road safety benefit gained from road signs and markings and detailed a list of improvements. It was agreed to recommend the homologation of the action of the Director of Technical Services decision to progress the road sign and marking programme as detailed in the Report.
Bayhead Street T12.42.01	33*	With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals for the improvement of Bayhead Street. A Meeting had taken place with NOSWA and it had been agreed that NOSWA would contribute to the costs of the final reinstatement of the main track to the improved surface which would enable additional reinforcement to be provided to reduce the potential for settlement. It was agreed to recommend approval of the proposals for Bayhead Street as detailed on Drawing 1 Road Case A (6A 22) 32 with funding as detailed in the Report.
Comparison of Prices for Building Materials: Stornoway and Inverness T12.62	34	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report setting out the results of a comparison survey of typical current building material prices in Inverness and Stornoway. Details of the prices were appended to the Report. It was indicated that, except in a small number of cases, prices were generally higher in Stornoway, the price differences ranging from 2% to 200%, with only two prices being lower. It was agreed to note the Report.
Crofters Access Rights to Foreshore T08.02	35	With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999, the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore. Appended to the Report was the opinion of Sir Crispen Agnew QC, regarding Crofters Rights of Access to the Foreshore, which stated that, generally, there was no specific rights conferred by legislation to Crofters to have access to work the foreshore but that Crofters could, in specific instances, have specific rights to access to the foreshore. It was agreed to note the Report.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Review of Progress and Decisions PR33.01.12	36	With reference to item 97 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the decisions of Transportation Committee from 1 January 1996 to 31 January 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Outstanding Action: Progress PR33.01.12	37	With reference to item to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ROADS
		The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to enable the Comhairle to take a view on the matter, prior to its next meeting.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle, would be disclosed.
Rights of Access to Foreshore: Uisgebhagh Jetty T12.58	38	The Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning access to Uisgebhagh Jetty. It was intimated in the Report that West Minch Salmon Limited had enquired whether the Comhairle would be prepared to adopt the relevant roadway to the Jetty. It was recommended in the Report that, the Committee, for its interest: note the situation at Uisgebhagh Jetty but that the length of road concerned be not adopted; and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to give a statement, on behalf of the Comhairle, in support of the maintenance of the access right to Uisgebhagh Jetty in any future Court proceedings.
		It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
___