Agenda, decisions and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found here

here.. 

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Convener advised that there was a referral from the Education Operational Delivery Committee in regard to item 10.9 on the agenda, Lochside Academy – Transport and Safe Routes to School Annual Update.  The Convener also had determined that item 10.8 on the agenda, Review of Broad Street, be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)            to note that a referral from the Education Operational Delivery Committee relevant to item 10.9 had been received and would be heard at that point in the meeting; and

(ii)          to otherwise note the information provided.

Councillor Jackie Dunbar questioned whether local members were being consulted on relevant reports that affected their wards.

The Committee resolved:-

to note that the Chief Operating Officer would ensure that officers were reminded to consult with local members for relevant reports.

Councillors Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart declared an interest in regard to item 10.8 on the agenda, Review of Broad Street, as members of NESTRANS but did not feel it necessary to withdraw from the meeting.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the declarations.

The Committee had before it the minute of the previous meeting of 14 March 2019, for approval.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

There are two separate requests for a deputation for item 10.8 on the agenda - Review of Broad Street Partial Pedestrianisation Including Safety Review -

PLA/19/088

The Convener advised that there had been two requests for deputation received in regard to item 10.8 on the agenda, Review of Broad Street.  The Convener also explained that the requests for deputations did not comply with Standing Order 14.1 as a result of the report being issued beyond the deadline specified.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)            to agree to suspend Standing Order 14.1 in order to hear from the two deputations relating to item 10.8 on the agenda, Review of Broad Street; and

(ii)          to note that the Broad Street item would be heard immediately after the two deputations. 

The Committee firstly heard from Mrs Carol Gordon, Chair of Disability Equity Partnership, who highlighted the group’s principle safety concerns on Broad Street as well as various other concerns. Mrs Gordon highlighted the Getting it Right for Every Resident concept and explained about the safety issues and problems members had encountered on Broad Street, following the partial pedestrianisation of the area.

The Committee then heard from Mrs Rasmussen who explained that she was completely blind and used a guide dog in order to get about.  Mrs Rasmussen highlighted to the Committee various problems she encountered whilst on Broad Street with a guide dog, which included the difficulty to identify a safe crossing point, the issue with kerbs and how guide dogs identify with them and how negotiation can be a problem. 

Members then asked questions of both Mrs Gordon and Mrs Rasmussen.

The Convener thanked Mrs Gordon and Mrs Rasmussen for their contribution. 

The Convener intimated that he had directed in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to ensure the timely review of Broad Street.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of Council of 5 March 2018, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Capital, which summarised the outcomes of a review of the Broad Street project on the operations, setting and safety of the scheme following six months of full implementation.  It also provided details on surveys carried out by Sustrans and engagement with relevant stakeholders which included the Disability Equity Partnership, Bus Companies and the public. 

The report recommended:-

that the Committee instructs the Chief Officer – Capital to proceed to design and install a fully traffic signalised junction at the Upperkirkgate/Gallowgate junction, with the design to be discussed and agreed with key stakeholders and funders. 

The Convener seconded by the Vice Convener Councillor Bell, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendation as contained within the report.  

Councillor Delaney moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Jackie Dunbar:-

            that the Committee –

(a)  Notes the decision of Council of 5 March 2018 to permit buses, cyclists and pedestrians to use the “shared surface” proposed for Broad Street;

(b)  Notes with concern the issues which continue to be raised by people with visual, hearing and mobility loss regarding the safe use of the “shared surface” on Broad Street;

(c)  Notes the Sustrans policy statement of June 2018 in which they state “Governments needs to draw up a clear set of principles and standards to promote space that prioritises people and ensures the safety of all users, including people with sensory or physical impairments” and that “the first priority of design should be creating accessible and inclusive environments and must be consistent with the Equality Act (2010)”;

(d)  Further notes the reference within the Sustrans policy statement to heavily trafficked areas which should include “improved crossings for all users to ensure that the movement of people is given the highest priority”;

(e)  Notes the view of the Council’s Disability Equity Partnership that Broad Street should be fully pedestrianised;

(f)   Agrees that Broad Street should be closed to all vehicular traffic between its junctions with Upperkirkgate and Queen Street and instructs the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services to seek agreement from Sustrans to progress this change and, subject to agreement, commence the Traffic Regulation Order for this measure as a matter of priority with costs to be met from the Road Safety & Traffic Management Budget, and to report to the appropriate committee in this regard;

(g)  Instructs the Chief Officer - Capital, to proceed to design and install a fully traffic signalised junction at the Upperkirkgate/Gallowgate junction.  The design is to be discussed and agreed with key stakeholders and funders; and

(h)  Instructs the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services to identify a safe segregated cycling route as well as accessibility routes into Marischal College, following consultation with key stakeholder and funders.  

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) - the Convener and Councillors Bell, Grant, Graham, Lumsden, Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

In terms of Standing Order 33.1, Councillor Delaney intimated that he would like this matter to be referred to full Council in order for a final decision to be taken. Councillor Delaney was supported by Councillors Cormie, Jackie Dunbar, Henrickson, McLellan and Townson.

In terms of Standing Order 33.1, the Convener determined otherwise and ruled that the matter would not be referred to full Council.

Councillor Delaney wished to record his dissent against the decision of the Convener.

The Committee had before it the committee business planner as prepared by the Chief Officer – Governance.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)            to agree to remove items 4 (Traffic Management within TECA), 5 (Management of GAPS), 6 and 7 (Various Small Scale Traffic Management Stage 3), 8 (Traffic Regulation Order – Craigshaw Drive), 9 (Motorcyles in Bus Lanes), 10 (Annual Effectiveness Report), 11 (Review of Broad Street), 12 (Lochside Academy Annual Review), 13 (Equalities Report) and 14 (Performance Report);

(ii)          to note that item 15 (Cycle Paths on Union Street) had been transferred to the City Growth and Resources Committee; and

(iii)         to otherwise note the information on the business planner.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Customer Services, which provided members with a status of key performance measures relating to the Operations Function.  Appended to the report were the performance summary dashboard and the performance analysis of exceptions.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee provide comments and observations on the performance information contained in the report appendices. 

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        to request that a Service Update be circulated to members in regard to the volume of delay in handling complaints within Customer Experience;

(ii)       to request that information on new fleet vehicles and livery from a recent media article be circulated to members by email; and

(iii)      to otherwise note the information contained with no further observations made.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Governance, which presented the annual report of the Operational Delivery Committee.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the content of the report.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation contained within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, which provided an update on the position of operating bus services under a section 22 Community Bus Permit following a review by the Department for Transport.  The report also provided an update on the performance of all supported bus services.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)          notes the outcome of the review into s19 and s22 Community Bus Permits by the Department for Transport;

(b)          agrees that no changes be made to the current provision of supported bus services this financial year; and

(c)          notes that a Service Update report would be circulated following completion of Judicial Review into Community Bus Permits and the further review of the Permit Scheme by the Department for Transport.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations as contained within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services, which provided details on the comments that had been received during the statutory consultation for the proposed Traffic Order at The Event Complex Aberdeen, TECA.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)          acknowledges the comments received as part of the statutory consultation;

(b)          instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to proceed with the experimental traffic order for a period of eighteen months; and

(c)          instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to review the operation of the experimental order after one year and following the review bring forward a permanent traffic order either in the same terms as the experimental order, or with amended terms as suggested in the review, including consultation with statutory bodies and the public advertisement or proposals.

The Convener moved, seconded by the Vice Convener Councillor Bell:-

That the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Jackie Dunbar, seconded by Councillor Henrickson, moved as an amendment:-

That the recommendations within the report be approved with an additional point (d) to be added, to read “to instruct the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services to bring back a report to Committee in either 3 or 6 months, detailing, if any, the impact on the neighbouring communities and whether any other interventions are required.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) – the Convener and Councillors Bell, Grant, Graham, Lumsden, Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart, the Depute Provost; for the amendment (6) – Councillors Cormie, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Henrickson, McLellan and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion and therefore approve the recommendations as contained within the report. 

With reference to article 6 of the minute of its meeting of 17 January 2019, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services, which provided details on the traffic volume and speed survey undertaken on Westerton Road after the full opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), to assist members in their consideration of proposed waiting restrictions on the road.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)          acknowledges the objections received as part of the statutory consultation in relation to the "The Aberdeen City Council (Westerton Road, Cults, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201X” and considers the contents of the objections, as reported to the Operational Delivery Committee on 17th January 2019;

(b)          notes the results of the surveys undertaken pre and post opening of the AWPR produced in Appendix B; and

(c)          approves "The Aberdeen City Council (Westerton Road, Cults, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201X” produced in Appendix A.

Councillor Bell moved, seconded by the Convener:-

that the Committee approve recommendations (a) and (b) and amend recommendation (c) to read:-  approves “The Aberdeen City Council (Westerton Road, Cults, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201X and proposes “at any time” waiting restrictions on Westerton Road, Cults after the speeding cushions south of properties 1-7 and 2-10.

Councillor Jackie Dunbar moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Henrickson:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations as contained within the report. 

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) – the Convener and Councillors Bell, Grant, Graham, Lumsden, Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart, the Depute Provost; for the amendment (6) – Councillors Cormie, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Henrickson, McLellan and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services, which considered objections that had been lodged with respect to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and as part of the statutory procedure set out in the Road Humps (Scotland) Regulations 1998.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)          acknowledges the sixteen objections received as part of the public consultation;

(b)          in relation to the proposed traffic calming scheme on Bedford Place and Sunnyside Road, overrules the objections received and approves that this scheme be implemented as originally envisaged; and

(c)          in relation to the proposed Aberdeen City Council (Primrosehill Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X) overrules the objection received and approves that this order be made as originally envisaged.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations as contained within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services, which considered objections that had been lodged with respect to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders that were required to establish dedicated cycle tracks on Craigshaw Drive and on certain lengths of adjacent roads.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)          notes the objections received as a result of the statutory consultation in relation to (1) The Aberdeen City Council (Abbotswell Road / Craigshaw Drive/ Wellington Road / West Tullos Road, Aberdeen) (Redetermination of Means of Exercise of Public Right of Passage) Order 201(X)” and (2) “The Aberdeen City Council (Craigshaw Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X)”;

(b)          approves “The Aberdeen City Council (Abbotswell Road / Craigshaw Drive / Wellington Road / West Tullos Road, Aberdeen) (Redetermination of Means of Exercise of Public Right of Passage) Order 201(X)” and instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to refer the order to Scottish Ministers for a final determination in accordance with “The Stopping Up of Roads and Private Accesses and the Redetermination of Public Rights of Passage (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1986”; and

(c)          approves that “The Aberdeen City Council (Craigshaw Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X)” be made as originally envisaged.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations as contained within the report.

With reference to article 2 of the minute of the Petitions Committee of 21 November, 2017, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, which provided details on the outcome of a review of the issues associated with allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes during their hours of operation in response to a formal petition raised on this subject.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the outcome of the review and take no further action in relation to the petition.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation contained within the report. 

The Convener accepted a remit from the Education Operational Delivery Committee as a matter of urgency in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as a subsequent report in regard to the same matter was on the agenda.

With reference to article 4 of the minute of its meeting of 17 January 2019, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning and Chief Officer – Operations and Protective Services, which updated members on the performance of the transport services and on the success of provisions in relation to the safe walking routes to Lochside Academy and sought approval to amend the transport arrangements to Lochside Academy.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)          approves the removal of 1 vehicle from the service 21, Cove/Charleston – Lochside Academy;

(b)          approves the removal of the service 22A, Leggart/Balnagask – Lochside Academy, from Leggart so that the service starts and ends at Balnagask; and

(c)          agrees that no further changes are required for the Safe Routes to School.

The Education Operational Delivery Committee had resolved:-

(a)       to note the outcome of the 2019 annual review for transport and safe routes to school for pupils attending Lochside Academy;

(b)       to note that significant numbers of children attending Lochside Academy continue to cross Wellington Road outwith the safe crossing points by climbing over the vehicle guard rail separating the north and southbound carriageways between the Souterhead Roundabout and the junction with Charleston Road North; and

(c)        to refer the matter at (b) to the Operational Delivery Committee, with the recommendation they give effect to implementing protective measures to prevent pedestrians crossing Wellington Road between these junctions by instructing the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to design and install protective measures to prevent pedestrians crossing Wellington Road between these junctions, to be paid for by reprioritising funds from the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Budget.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Graham:-

That the Committee agree the recommendations as contained within the report.

Councillor Nicoll moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor McLellan:-

That the Committee approve recommendations (a) and (b) and agree the recommendations in the referral from the Education Operational Delivery Committee as set out above.

On a division, there voted for the motion (7) – the Convener and Councillors Bell, Grant, Graham, Laing, Lumsden and Macdonald; for the amendment (6) – Councillors Cormie, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Henrickson, McLellan and Nicoll.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion and therefore approve the recommendations as contained within the report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Customer Services, which provided an update on progress achieved as at 30 April 2019 on mainstreaming the public sector equality duty and achieving Aberdeen City Council’s Equality Outcomes for 2017-21.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approves the Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Progress Report for 2017-19 and instructs the Chief Officer - Early Intervention and Community Empowerment to make the report publicly accessible.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)            to thank officers for their hard work with producing the equalities document; and

(ii)          to otherwise approve the recommendation as contained within the report.  

-       Councillor John Wheeler, Convener