Agenda item

An update from Dave Atkinson from City Of York Council on the road conditions in the area

The Head of Highways and Transport was then invited to provide an update regarding highways issues.

When residents raised concerns regarding the state of certain sections of Farndale Avenue and Thirkleby Way, the Head of Highways and Transport advised that specific formulas were devised to prioritise work carried out on the highways.  However, Thirkleby Way and Farndale Close did not meet the hierarchy for intervention.  Nevertheless, he was happy to provide further information to residents and confirmed that he would work with their ward councillors to address their concerns.

Another resident flagged up the danger to cyclists travelling along Thirkleby Way due to the presence of very large potholes.

Regarding the condition of road surfaces, Councillor Warters expressed disappointed that there wasn’t a policy that dealt with concrete sectional surfacing.  He explained that when the tarmac had been scraped off the road in High Field, the underlying concrete sectional surface appeared to be in very good condition. 

He considered it absurd that as long as potholes were less than the CYC intervention depth of an inch and a half (40mm) the road would receive no attention despite there being barely an inch (25mm) of tarmac overlay on the road as it stands, meaning there would never technically be breaches of the intervention levels despite the state of the road. He also added that a previous experimental resurfacing technique called ‘crack and seat’  which had been adopted on Tranby Road had been disastrous and cost an additional £500,000 to rectify.

The Head of Highways and Transport noted Councillor Warters’ comments and acknowledged that there had been some structural issues regarding concrete bases. He confirmed that the Highways Department was looking at using different materials on highways which, he hoped, would remedy the issues raised as soon as possible.

There then ensued a discussion regarding poor and obsolete signage which was  considered unsightly and could also be confusing.  Councillor D’Agorne acknowledged that some redundant signs were not removed in a timely manner (and he cited an obsolete sign on Heslington Road as an example).

Councillor Warters commented that each new road layout sign had a date on the back and that although funding was provided to erect them, there was no funding available for removing them.  He added that even on obsolete signs, staff were still employed to apply weedkiller around pole bases (which he considered to be a waste of public funds).

The Head of Highways and Transport advised that the Highways Department did not have the capacity to deal with signage but noted the comments raised and confirmed that he would address the issue if and when more staff became available.

Question

A resident wanted to know where the junction at Hull Road and Tang Hall Lane was within the hierarchy.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport confirmed that arterial routes were generally regarded as a higher priority.  However, he confirmed that the junction in question was due to be dealt with in the near future.

Question

A resident commented on the faded lines at certain junctions and enquired as to why there was patchy white lining.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport conceded that this was due to budgetary constraints and that work incurring less expense tended to be carried out sooner.

Question

A resident wanted to know why Virgin had been required to go back and resurface the pavements in Copmanthorpe but not in Osbaldwick.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport confirmed that Virgin had made a mess of the pavements in Copmanthorpe, which is why they were requested to rectify the damage.

Councillor D’Agorne added that, in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act, utility companies had a right to dig up highways in order to lay cables.  He further commented that there had been an issue with cabling throughout York but if issues were not flagged up early enough the onus fell on City of York Council to deal with any ensuing problems.

Question

A resident asked whether a significant number of roads had been specifically resurfaced prior to the Tour de France several years ago.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport was unable to comment as he had not been involved during that time.

Question

A resident asked why no Park and Ride buses went directly to the station.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport confirmed that a network review for buses was being undertaken in order to optimise transport efficacy.

Councillor D’Agorne sympathised with the resident regarding the Park and Ride route and highlighted the national crisis affecting bus travel due to falling passenger numbers arising from the pandemic as well as staff shortages and fare increases. 

Question

A resident asked whether the decision to paint double yellow lines in Tranby Avenue and Cavendish Grove could be reversed.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport advised that the decision had already been made and if the work had already been booked then reversing it could be problematic. However, he would look into it. 

Action:  The Head of Highways and Transport to look into the decision regarding double yellow lines on Tranby Avenue and Cavendish Grove.

Question

A resident enquired as to what could be done regarding overhanging trees and hedges if residents failed to maintain them.

Answer

Councillor D’Agorne accepted that this was a problem (which had been exacerbated by staff shortages).  He advised that residents who failed to cut back their trees and hedges would be given due notice to do so and that if no action was taken, City of York Council would carry out the work and charge the residents.  However, he acknowledged that City of Council should be more proactive (as opposed to reactive) when dealing with such matters. 

Question

A resident asked what practical steps the Highways Department was going to take on behalf of the residents.

Answer

The Head of Highways and Transport confirmed that the issue regarding university parking was due to go before the scrutiny panel at end of the month.   He also stated that he would consider residents’ concerns and would be happy to report back with a further update in approximately February/March 2023 when the Highways Department had had time to remedy the issues.

Action:  The Head of Highways and Transport to report back on residents’ concerns in approximately February/March 2023.