Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of personal interest.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services held on the 15^thMay, 2023 be signed as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which provided the objections received in response to the following draft Traffic Regulation Order which was advertised for comment and objection:

·      THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE
(IMPOSITION OF 20 M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2023

The report explained that the purpose of the Order was to support the Authority’s statutory duty in implementing speed limits as a result of Welsh Government’s ‘The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022’ which would come into force on the 17^th September 2023. 

It was reported that the proposed Order was largely focused on roads which were urban in nature, but do not have street lighting systems which would confer restricted roads status.  Therefore, the proposed Order would provide consistency for local communities and road users.  In addition, the proposed Order revoked a number of Traffic Regulation Orders for existing 20mph limits on roads which were restricted roads.  These roads would remain subject to a 20mph limit by virtual of their restricted roads status. 

The locations were indicated in the proposed schedule and plan appended to the report. It was reported that during the consultation period the Council’s Head of Administration and Law received four objections as provided in the report.

The Cabinet Member considered the proposal along with the objections received.

RESOLVED that:

3.1      the objections as detailed in the report be noted;

3.2      that the Traffic Regulation Order - The County of Carmarthenshire   (Imposition of 20 M.P.H. Speed Limit) Order 2023 as per the      schedule detailed in the report be made.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which provided the objections received in response to the following draft Traffic Regulation Order which was advertised for comment and objection:

·      THE COUNTY OF CARMARTHENSHIRE
(IMPOSITION OF 30 M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2023

The Cabinet Member noted that the purpose of the proposed Order was to introduce 30mph speed limits to address the following situations:

1.    As exceptions to the Welsh Government’s ‘The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022’.

2.    As supporting ‘buffer’ limits on the approaches to 20mph speed limits.

3.    Non-Restricted Roads where a 30mph limit would reflect road use and surrounding development.

The report explained that the Order would support the forthcoming Welsh Government’s legislative change in the introduction of 20mph speed limits on restricted roads through ‘The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022’ which would come into force on the 17th September 2023. 

It was reported that the proposed Order also revoked a number of Traffic Regulation Orders for existing 30mph limits on roads which was to be superseded by legislation and new Traffic Regulation Orders.  It was explained that the proposed 30mph limits proposed would either exempt restricted roads from defaulting to 20mph, provide transitional ‘buffer’ to 20mph limit, or be considered appropriate to the nature of the road.  The proposals provide continuity in the speed limit regime for motorists and help safeguard local communities.

The location was indicated in the proposed schedule and plan appended to the report. It was reported that during the consultation period the Council’s Head of Administration and Law received twelve objections as provided in the report.

The Cabinet Member considered the proposal along with the objections received.

RESOLVED that:

4.1      the objections as detailed in the report be noted;

4.2      Objection Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 be upheld and the        proposals    for the 30mph speed limit at the locations in question       be withdrawn.

4.3      the Traffic Regulation Order - The County of Carmarthenshire   (Imposition of 30 M.P.H. Speed Limit) Order 2023 for objection Numbers 1, 11 and 12 be made.

The Cabinet Member considered a report to support Llanelli Shopmobility with a grant of £16,000 for the 2023/24 financial year commencing August, 2023. It was explained that whilst Shopmobility had been supported by the Council since 2011 and generated income from charges and fund raising, it was mainly reliant on the Council’s financial support.

Shopmobility was one of many initiatives being encouraged by the Authority to support Llanelli town and was an important element of ensuring access to shops, businesses and services within Llanelli were inclusive and catered for individuals with mobility impairments.

It was reported that Shopmobility provided for hire facilities such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters for shoppers and visitors to use within the town.  In addition, the grant would be funded from the County Council’s Community Transport element of the Bus Services Support Grant provided by Welsh Government.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the increased operational pressures and noted that it was proposed that the grant be increased by just over 5% for the period making the annual grant payable in 2023/24 a total of £16,000.

RESOLVED that a grant be provided to support Shopmobility in Llanelli from August 2023 to August 2024 of £16,000.

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The Cabinet Member considered a report to support Carmarthen Shopmobility with a grant of £16,000 for a twelve-month period commencing in September, 2023. It was explained that whilst Shopmobility had been supported by the Council since 2011 and generated income from charges and fund raising, it was mainly reliant on the Council’s financial support.

Shopmobility was one of many initiatives being encouraged by the Authority to support the town and was an important element of ensuring that access to shops, businesses and services within Carmarthen was inclusive and catered for individuals with mobility impairments.

It was reported that Shopmobility was a registered charity based in Carmarthen Town Centre which provided facilities such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters for visitors to use within the town.  In addition, the grant would be funded from the County Council’s Community Transport element of the Bus Services Support Grant provided by Welsh Government.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the increased operational pressures and noted that it was proposed that the grant be increased by just over 5% for the period making the annual grant payable in 2023/24 a total of £16,000.

RESOLVED that a grant be provided to support Shopmobility in Carmarthen from September 2023 to September 2024 of £16,000.