Agenda item - Member Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by councillors:

(a)       Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself;

(b)       Written Questions: to consider any written questions (copy attached);

(c)       Letters: to consider any letters;

(d)       Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee.

6a       Petitions

6.1      There were none.

6b      Written Questions

6.2      The following written question set out at Item 6b on the agenda had been received from Councillor Simson:

          “Will the Chair please give an explanation as to why the taxi trade has not been consulted on changes to street layouts resulting in the loss of taxi ranks in response to Covid 19 emergency measures and will she give assurance that consultation will take place on any future changes?”

6.3      The Chair, Councillor O’Quinn gave the following response:

          “The council, via Traffic Management, has the power under section 14 of the Road Traffic Act to temporarily remove a bay due to public safety.  In this case it relates to social distancing and the need to provide separation as much as possible for people moving through the area in these unprecedented times. The council had to act very quickly as St James Street was identified as a high risk for people queuing in the area and the need to have it ready for the opening of retail.   The decision was not taken lightly, but there was little choice as this location was a particular challenge. Traffic Management have emphasised that the change is temporary and they are keen to find an alternative location with the Trade.

6.4      RESOLVED – That the response given be received and noted.

6c       Letters

6.5      There were none.

6d      Notices of Motion

6.6      There were none.