Agenda item

Derbyn gwybodaeth yngl?n â'r broses statudol ar gyfer symud Carafanau a rhwystrau eraill o'r briffordd.

The Highways Technical Services Manager presented the report of the Director of Highways and Streetcare Services to inform Scrutiny of the statutory process in use to remove caravans and other obstructions from the highway. A Power Point presentation was also delivered to accompany the report.

Members were provided with information in respect of the procedures available to investigating officers of the Council to remove caravans and other large vehicles or boats. The options available are based on judgements taken by the officers as to whether the parking of the vehicle constitutes incidental usage of the highway or whether under the Common Law the local authority decides to remove the obstruction under S.143 Highways Act 1980.This gives the Local Authority the power to remove a structure that has been set up or erected on the highway. For this action a notice is served on the person who deposited the caravan requiring them to move it. S.149 Highways Act 1980 enables the Authority to remove vehicles if they are deemed to be a nuisance. If the caravan has been abandoned the Council has a duty to remove it under s.3 Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978. It was also reported that where necessary, the Police are able to take the most effective action using their powers under section 137(2) of the Highways Act (1980).

The Officer, following his presentation to Scrutiny, responded to a number of queries relating to the statutory process for the removal of caravans and other large vehicles from the highway.

It was reported that should a caravan be removed under S.143 Highways Act 1980 the process can take up to 28 days which is a quicker process than through the S149 Highways Act 1980. Members asked whether the Council could identify its own storage area for caravans which have been removed from the highway and although it was indicated that some areas would lend themselves to storage for such vehicles, consideration would need to be given to the cost.

The Highways Technical Services Manager responded to a number of queries relating to advertising boards, particularly banners hung from railings and the process in place for their removal. The Director, Highways and Streetcare Services confirmed that staff have been asked to remove such banners from Council land (with a few exceptions) should they see them and he would issue a further reminder following the meeting.

By contrast, Scrutiny discussed the street furniture pilot scheme which has been undertaken in Pontypridd town centre. It was reported that the majority of businesses have welcomed the scheme as they can appreciate the benefits that come with having regimented, organised furniture organised outside their premises. The process to acquire a permit was explained, businesses submit a plan to set out their individual street furniture, pay a £30 permit fee and every case is considered on its merit providing the furniture fits within the designated dimensions. It was reported that business owners are so far adhering to the requirements set down by the Council and the scheme requires little enforcement.

Members discussed the difficult balance of achieving disabled access and enhancing a town centre with street furniture. It was acknowledged that those thriving town centres are the ones that have evolved and accommodate residents who wish to socialise in cafes and restaurants. It was agreed that street furniture can enhance a town centre particularly in the summer months.

Following consideration of the report and power point presentation it was RESOLVED to:-

1.    Acknowledge the information in respect of the statutory processes in place to remove caravans and other obstructions from the highway; and

2.    That the Power point presentation is circulated to all members of the Public Service Delivery, Communities & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee.