To receive apologies for absence.

None received.

To receive declarations of interests from Members of the Panel in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.

None received.

The Chairman informed everyone present that the meeting was being recorded and would be made available on the RBWM website.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 8 October 2015.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

A verbal update by the Traffic & Road Safety Manager, Tony Carr, RBWM.

The Chairman welcomed the Traffic & Road Safety Manager, Tony Carr, to the meeting and asked him to address the item which had been requested by a resident, Trevor Robinson.

The Traffic & Road Safety Manager referred everyone to the briefing note on page 17 of the agenda.  It was noted that traffic had been falling over the years and whilst speed was not increasing it could be down to people’s perceptions.  The Traffic & Road Safety Manager explained that some areas in London had put in 20 mph limits and that he wanted to start a discussion into the possibility of revised speed limits in residential areas. 

The Chairman asked the Lead Member for Highways, Councillor Colin Rayner, if he had anything he would like to add.

The Lead Member for Highways reminded everyone present that it was not the Council who enforced speed but the Thames Valley Police.  It was noted that the Council could write to the Thames Valley Police to alert them to concerns raised, ask them to put up warning signs and request that they undertook ‘counts’. 

Trevor Robinson stated that he had been very pleased to see this item on the agenda as he felt it was very worthwhile and had been grateful for the briefing note that had been provided by the Traffic & Road Safety Manager.  It was noted that Trevor Robinson hoped to see this item on the agenda again in the future.  Trevor Robinson informed the Forum that he had been interested to see the figures on traffic volumes in the briefing note rather than the information about speed.  The question was asked as to whether the information included in the briefing note could be found on the RBWM website.   

Trevor Robinson went onto state that he did agree that the speed concerns could be down to people’s perceptions and that he considered which routes to use depending on speeds / narrow roads and high kerbs, etc.  It was noted that Trevor Robinson had looked again at the area from the A308 from Windsor to the Brigidine School and that the only thing that showed the reduction in the speed limit was one sign which he felt could be improved on.  It was suggested that a large ‘SLOW’ sign painted on the road might help raise awareness along with 50 mph limit warnings along with lit up speed monitors.  It was noted that there was also a very sharp turn / curve from Windsor to Ascot Road where the traffic tended to travel very fast.  It was noted that people using that road might miss the speed limit sign on the lamppost.  Trevor Robinson added that he was interested to hear more about the 20 mph speed limits as he felt this could be something good to think about although understood they might be quite costly. 

The Lead Member for Highways explained that the Council was concerned about speeding on those junctions mentioned along with Kings Street and the crossing on the Long Walk.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

A verbal update by the Interim Planning Policy Manager, Simon Rowberry, RBWM.

The Chairman thanked the Interim Planning Policy Manager, Simon Rowberry, for attending the meeting and invited him to give Members a presentation on the Retail and Town Centre Study.  The presentation covered the following areas:

·         How it was done.

·         Engagement.

·         Main findings for Windsor:

o   National retail rankings.

o   Retail / non-retail units.

o   Diversity of uses.

o   Retail capacity.

·         Study conclusions.

In the ensuing discussion the following points were noted:

Ø  That the change of planning laws regarding permitted development rights which had resulted in a lot of office space being changed in to residential properties was believed to be having a damaging effect on the Town Centre.  It was noted that a positive effect was that it was pulling people in to live in the Town Centre which in turn was supporting the shopping convenience culture and cafes but a negative effect was the effect on the Night-time Economy and that 8 / 9 years ago there were three use classes (A3 – A5) and each had a different importance on residential amenities.  There were noted to be conflicts between residential and business use in the Town Centres. 

Ø  That Article 4 (Conservation Areas) took away other uses e.g. permitted development rights.  It was noted that an Article 4 direction could be used theoretically to stop public houses changing to residential properties, although this might be challenged, but that this should not be used as a blanket tool. 

Ø  That the study showed findings for both internet shopping (click & collect) and instore shopping.  It was noted that it would be useful to know if there had been an increase in click & collect shopping. 

Councillor Bhatti arrived

Ø  It was noted that the Visitor Economy was a mix of day and stay over visitors and that there would have been some effect on spending / shopping seasonality.

Ø  That the planning system did not allow for tight sectoral planning.

Ø  That planning frameworks did not allow a more holistic approach.

Ø  That the main findings in Windsor with regard to retail capacity indicated the potential for extra capacity in the Town Centre or at least retaining the vitality in the Town Centre.

Ø  The Chairman suggested that the 2014 RBWM Retail Study be Googled.

A verbal update by the Environmental Protection Officer, Feliciano Cirimele, RBWM.

The Chairman welcomed the Environmental Protection Officer, Feliciano Cirimele, back to the meeting (after a year) and asked him to address the item which had been requested by a resident, Helen Price.

The Environmental Protection Officer referred everyone to the briefing note on page 19-23 of the agenda. It was noted that whilst the data collected showed that Windsors air quality was generally good there were two hotspot areas of pollution which included Arthur Road and the junction at Imperial Road and St Leonards Road. Members were informed that concentrations had been decreasing in these areas however in recent years they have remained fairly static. 

The Environmental Protection Officer explained that he understood there were some Highway (traffic management) solutions on the table and whilst these might help with improving traffic flow at junctions it was also the volume of traffic that was the issue and in particular in Arthur Road where pollutants were not being efficiently dispersed .  It was noted that air pollution was particularly bad at peak times when volumes of traffic and congestion were high. 

Resident, Helen Price, explained that her primary concern was the close locality to schools as children were very susceptible to the pollution.  It was noted that people were often unaware they were living in the hotspots and that she therefore felt this should be higher up on the Councils agenda. 

The Environmental Protection Officer stated that any future development in the Royal Borough would need to address air quality by way of completing an Air Quality Assessment.  It was noted that the new fountain did not provide air wash. 

Members were informed that the third runway would likely increase traffic and therefore have an effect on air quality in the surrounding areas.  The Chairman explained that Heathrow had submitted their response and had assumed local residents health would be worse and lives shortened but that they had felt that was OK compared to the economic benefits.  The Chairman went onto explain that the Council had strongly objected on behalf of their residents. 

It was felt that weight limits were only enforceable by the Thames Valley Police and that it was very difficult to prosecute over 40 tonnes. 

The Environmental Protection Officer explained that the Council had not ruled out their use of electric cars and was currently only trialling a keyless, automated scheme which was not available for electric cars.  It was noted that the Council would look at electric vehicles as part of this scheme if they were available in the future.  Councillor Phillip Bicknell informed everyone present that he was recommending that the Council purchased two Nissan Leafs. 

A verbal update by the Business Improvement Principal, Christopher Wheeler, RBWM.

The Chairman welcomed the Business Improvement Principal, Christopher Wheeler, to the meeting and asked him to merge and address the next two items which had been requested by a resident, Helen Price.

The Business Improvement Principal referred everyone to the briefing notes on page 25-28 of the agenda. It was noted that the Council was committed to reducing congestion where practical to do so and this aligns with the Manifesto commitment to “continue to review and reduce unnecessary traffic lights”.  Members were informed that the Arthur Road corridor had been identified as a location where a consultation on possible alternative junction arrangements should be considered.

It was noted that draft options had been developed for two alternative options for the junction of Maidenhead Road / Stovell Road (a mini-roundabout or a priority junction) and an alternative layout for Arthur Road / Alma Road (mini-roundabout). Members were informed that each option would also include provision of pedestrian facilities.

The Business Improvement Principal went onto explain that it was not considered viable or appropriate to consider removal of the traffic signals at the junction of Arthur Road with Vansittart Road. It was noted that a mini-roundabout was not possible, as the required stepped back give-way lines would lead to sub-standard visibility, whilst conventional give-ways on the two Vansittart Road arms would introduce safety risks due to the lack of clarity over priority between the two opposed right turn movements from the Vansittart Road arms. Members were informed that more importantly there would also be no suitable locations for convenient pedestrian facilities to be accommodated under alternative layouts at that junction.

With regard to Imperial Road the Borough had undertaken a consultation from 15 October to 20 December 2015 on possible changes at the junctions of Imperial Road / St Leonards Road and Winkfield Road / Clewer Hill Road. It was noted that the decision to consult on possible changes was primarily made as a response to demands of local residents to ease congestion during peak periods and improve air quality.  Members were informed that the consultation had invited comments on two outline design options for removal of traffic lights at both junctions:

•      Option A included a give way junction at Clewer Hill Road with no right turns from that junction onto Winkfield Road and a roundabout at the Imperial Road junction with St Leonards Road.

•      Option B included a mini-roundabout at the Clewer Hill Road / Winkfield Road junction, with the Imperial Road and St Leonards Road junction reconfigured so that traffic on the eastern arm would give way to the other two arms and be banned from turning right.

Members were informed that two public drop-in events had been held to allow members of the public to meet with officers and Councillors, ask questions and have their say on the consultation. It was noted that signs were also positioned on site to advise of the consultation, letter drops were carried out, press releases were arranged and information on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

A verbal update by the Business Improvement Principal, Christopher Wheeler, RBWM.

The Chairman asked the Business Improvement Principal to address the item. 

The Business Improvement Principal referred everyone to the briefing note on page 29 of the agenda.  It was noted that a number of stakeholders including retailers in the town centre had raised concerns regarding restaurants and cafés encroaching with tables and chairs beyond the permitted areas on the street (as set out in their individual licences). The main difficulty this caused was restriction on the highway, hindering the public from moving freely in these areas.

Members were informed that In order to address these concerns, the Council had purchased studs to be placed on the highway denoting the extent of the area that businesses could put their tables and chairs out.  It was noted that these studs would be installed by the Council’s term contractor (Amey) before Easter which would enable easier enforcement.

The Business Improvement Principal explained that there had also been a number of cases where A-boards had been placed on the highway by businesses.  Members were informed that the Borough’s policy was that A-boards were not allowed.

It was noted that enforcement was carried out in November 2015 to remove the illegal A-Boards, which proved to be relatively successful.  However, this would require ongoing enforcement alongside the table and chair encroachment. The Business Improvement Principal went onto explain that once the studs were in place outside cafes another round of enforcement would take place before Easter.

An example stud was shown to everyone present.

In the ensuing discussion the following points were noted:

Ø  The Chairman asked how often licences needed to be re-applied for.  It was agreed that a response would be attached to the minutes.

Ø  Councillor Alexander thanked officers for taking the concern of encroachment on board and he hoped the enforcement would back up the suggested solution of studs being added to mark boundaries.  

Ø  Councillor John Bowden explained that he often witnessed delivery vehicles in Peascod Street that were obstructed by cafes outside areas.  It was questioned why cafes weren’t limited to use their outside areas until after delivery hours.  It was agreed that a response would be attached to the minutes.

Ø  It was questioned whether table and chair licenses allowed for delivery vehicles, refuse vehicles and emergency service access.  It was agreed that a response would be attached to the minutes.

Ø  That a fair ground ride before Christmas had also caused access issues.  The Business Improvement Principal explained that it was a fine balance that needed to be found between cafes, nightlife and night markets. 

Ø  Councillor Shamsul Shelim stated that he believed Ward Councillors had not been made aware that Madame Posh were able to place tables and chairs outside their venue.  The Business Improvement Principal agreed to check the cafes licence. 

Ø  Trevor Robinson stated that these issues were all problems of success.

The Chairman referred everyone to the spreadsheet on pages 31-34 of the agenda that the Clerk had created and would continue to update which showed a log of the items that had come to the forum and their current status. 

It was agreed that the Clerk would request a briefing note on the past Policy and Performance Managers items dated 03.10.13.  It was noted that an officer was not required to attend the next meeting to give an update on the three items. 

The dates of future meetings are to be confirmed shortly.

It was noted that the dates of future meetings had been scheduled as follows 6.30pm in the Guildhall):

Ø  Thursday 2 June 2016

Ø  Tuesday 4 October 2016

Ø  Monday 13 February 2017

Any items suggestions for the next meeting were requested to be emailed to the Chairman (Cllr.Airey@rbwm.gov.uk) and / or the Clerk (tanya.leftwich@rbwm.gov.uk).

The meeting, which began at 6.30 pm, finished at 8.45 pm.

Information gathered following the meeting:

Imperial Rd/ Winkfield Rd/ Clewer Hill Road – traffic signal review consultation

Q.   Can we model improvements gained to air quality from our final design?

A.   There is ongoing monitoring at this junction and the Environmental Protection Team can provide data, however seasonal variations and yearly fluctuations in air quality may be greater than the margin of improvement resulting from a scheme. A separate air quality model of the junction could be commissioned and this would test different scenarios and predict the outcome for air quality. The model would take into account traffic volumes and queuing times and predict the corresponding emissions. The cost of a separate air quality model is not specifically provided for in the approved budget for the scheme.

Street Café encroachment

Q.   Does ‘Madame Posh’ have a street café licence?

A.   Yes.

Q.   Do table and chair licences allow for delivery vehicles, refuse vehicles and emergency service access?

A.   In pedestrianised areas delivery vehicles need to be accommodated where no time restriction is in place. Such vehicles are able to navigate along Peascod Street without a problem.

Q.   Are street cafés limited until after delivery hours?

A.   Some are dependent on location.  In the past we have had complaints about cafés putting their items out before deliveries were complete  but not in the last 6 months.

Q.   How often does the licence need to be re-applied for?

A.   Every three years.

New parking equipment River Street / Meadow Lane Car Parks

Q.  How will Blue badge holders be accommodated?

A.   Free parking for blue badge holders in both car parks will be handled by the help point who will take details and allow free exit. Instructions will be provided in the car park.

Q.   How will businesses permits/ season ticket holders be accommodated?

A. Business permit/ season ticket holders will be given a pass card for the car park which will enable them free entry/exit. Instructions will be provided to permit/ season ticket holders.

Arthur Road Corridor Junctions – traffic signal review consultation (Arthur Rd/ Alma Rd)

Q.   Please can we write to coach companies asking them to adhere to the signed coach route?

A.   Neil Walter (Parking Principal) will send an email to the coach operators association who will be able to advise their members.

Email addresses for Highways, Transport and Streetcare enquiries were noted as follows:

·         For highway defects, litter or graffiti – streetcare@rbwm.gov.uk

·         For street lighting enquiries - streetlighting@rbwm.gov.uk

·         For highway and planned maintenance - highways@rbwm.gov.uk

·         For capital  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.