Issue - meetings

To note a report on the use of lay-bys by large goods (LGVs) and other vehicles and the responsibilities of different agencies in regard to lay-bys in Spelthorne Borough.

The Group Head for Neighbourhood Services reported that lay-bys were intended as a short stopping location for LGV drivers and other motorists to either comply with TACO regulations or take a short break to relieve tiredness. They are managed by various agencies to different standards and frequencies of cleansing and general maintenance.

Issues reported to Spelthorne by SBC staff, residents and visitors were either dealt with by Neighbourhood Services, if it fell within their area of responsibility, or reported through to customer services at either Surrey County Council or Highways England/Connect Plus.

She advised that she would be meeting with Highways England/Connect Plus next month to investigate opportunities to improve the standards of cleanliness in lay-bys.

Mr Richard O’Keefe attended the meeting on behalf of Connect Plus and explained the cleaning regime in relation to litter on verges, litter bins, fly tipping on grass verges and footways, grass cutting, hedges and general maintenance.

He said that Connect Plus was keen to address the state of disrepair of the verges on the A30 but permission was required from Highways England before this could be addressed. He suggested the best course of action for addressing complaints about the state of the lay-bys was to close them, but not only was this a long process which required a decision by Highways England following consultation with Local Authorities, it was likely to simply push the problem elsewhere.

Members asked for further clarification on the comment from Surrey Police in relation to vehicles, including unattached trailers, parked between sunset and sunrise in lay-bys on roads where the speed limit is over 30mph being required to have front and rear lamps as they had not seen evidence of this.

Mr O’Keefe agreed to supply details of Connect Plus’ cleaning frequencies and contractor obligations in regards to maintenance of the A30, to the Committee.

Resolved to:

1.    Note the report on use of lay-bys by LGVs; and

2.    Request further clarification from Surrey Police on the use of lamps by vehicles parked in lay-bys between sunset and sunrise.