Council and democracy

Councillor B Little, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transportation, presented his first Portfolio Holder report and updated Members on the following items:

•           Thurrock had achieved Band 2 Level of the Department of Transport incentive funding initiative.

•           A £5million cycling infrastructure project had advanced to the construction phase.

•           The Stanford Le Hope, A13 widening had progressed to the design and build phase.

•           The Pot Hole Spotter, a new initiative to Thurrock with no costs involved.

•           Awaiting a decision on Lower Thames Crossing.

•           How signage was used.

•           A Thurrock Road User Group Forum had been formed.

•           The Permit System was in place to look how road works were undertaken.

•           Looking at the general look and usage of roads in the borough.

•           Looking at the Air Quality Strategy and how education of residents’ behaviour could be addressed.

Councillor B Little thanked all Officers, Forums and Overview and Scrutiny Members for their hard work and dedication.

Councillor B Rice thanked the Portfolio Holder for his report and commended the Air Quality Strategy that had been put in place previously and the measures in place to reduce air pollution. Councillor B Rice asked the Portfolio Holder for reassurance that all 1500 bollards in Thurrock would be cleaned. Councillor B Little stated that the cleaning-up of Thurrock’s road network was being undertaken as an Administration to make Thurrock a place to be proud to live in.

Councillor Snell stated that the report was encouraging and would be interested in it returning in the next municipal year. Councillor Snell asked the Portfolio Holder whether any discussions had taken place on using the River Thames as a means of transporting goods to take the strain off roads. Councillor B Little stated that the use of ferry companies had been looked into and discussions had taken place with Paramount as a possible means of using this as a transport network going up to London and back again but confirmed that currently no further discussions were taking place.

Councillor J Kent asked the Portfolio Holder what progress had been made with the Lower Thames Crossing consultation with Highways England on the joint work instigated by Thurrock Council with the Department of Transport and Highway England on the effect of pollution from vehicles on the health of residents and had the least worst option been identified yet. Councillor B Little stated that he could not comment as had no information to hand but would find out and report back to Members.

Councillor Smith stated that residents had reported pot holes reappearing after being repaired. Councillor B Little stated that the jet patching was only permanent for 95 per cent of holes filled but had provided the protection required during bad weather. Any incidents should be reported to the Portfolio Holder or Officers and that a dossier was being prepared to look at how different methods could be used in the future.

Councillor Duffin asked the Portfolio Holder for an update on the Lower Thames Crossing nationally and asked if he would consider resigning if the Lower Thames Crossing was approved. Councillor B Little stated that he had no intentions of resigning and that as Portfolio Holder he was doing a good job and was doing all that was possible, taking into account that any option of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing would fall across his Orsett Ward.

Councillor Gerrish asked the Portfolio Holder what enhancements to the London Road weight limit had been made. Councillor B Little stated that a review of Heavy Good Vehicle routes, including London Road, had been undertaken with Officers but did not know the outcome. This information would be sent to Members once known.

Councillor B Little thanked Members for their comments and believed that the Council was moving forward in a professional manner, being mindful of residents views and abiding by the rules.