Minutes of Ku-ring-gai Traffic Committee

Minute Ku-ring-gai Council Page

MINUTES OF Ku-ring-gai Traffic Committee
HELD ON Thursday, 28 February 2019

Present:	Ku-ring-gai Council (Councillor Cedric Spencer, Chairperson) Ku-ring-gai Council (Councillor Peter Kelly, Deputy Chairperson) Ku-ring-gai Council (Councillor Sam Ngai) Director Operations (George Bounassif) Roads & Maritime Services (Peter Carruthers) Roads & Maritime Services (Mitchell Ryan) Representing Police Local Area Command Ku-ring-gai (Snr Const Narelle Tomich) Representing Police Local Area Command North Shore (Const James Logan) Representing Member for Davidson (Michael Lane) Representing Member for Ku-ring-gai (David Ross) State Member for Ku-ring-gai (Alister Henskens)

Staff Present:	Manager Traffic and Transport (Deva Thevaraja) Manager Regulation and Compliance ( Anne Seaton) Team Leader Traffic (Michael Foskett) Team Leader Regulation (Tony McCormack) Strategic Transport Engineer (Joseph Piccoli) Administration Officer (Nala Redford)

Others Present:	Representing Bike North (Ms Lyness Beavis)

Apologies:	Nil

The Meeting commenced at 9.00am

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interest was declared.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTEs

KTC01

Minutes of Ku-ring-gai Traffic Committee

File: CY00022/10

Meeting held 18 May 2018

Minutes numbered KTC01 to KTC10

The Committee Recommended:

That Minutes numbered KTC01 to KTC10 were received and confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Representing Police Local Area Command Ku-ring-gai arrived during discussion

GENERAL BUSINESS

KTC02	General Matter - Traffic & Transport Policy File: S02527 Vide: GB.1
	To update Council’s Traffic & Transport Policy, which was last updated in 2015.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic and Transport informed the Committee that Council’s Traffic and Transport Policy was developed in early 2000 and the Policy is due for a review. He advised that there are proposals to introduce some traffic facilities in the Policy, particularly the introduction of speed cushions at the intersections of roundabouts. He further advised that the use of rumble bars around curves and at intersections is proposed to be formalised by including this facility in the Policy. The Representative for Bike North addressed the Committee and commented that Section J (Pedestrians) and Section S (Cycling) of the Traffic & Transport Policy should be revised to consider a more proactive approach to cycling given the Greater Sydney and Planning Commission / North District Plan goals for Active transport. It was agreed that the second paragraph in Section S should be re-worded by acknowledging and referencing the greater Sydney Commission / North District Plan goals for Active transport.
	The Committee Recommends: A. Review the Traffic and Transport Policy acknowledging and referencing the Greater Sydney and Planning Commission District Plans, specifically the Active transport Plans. B. Council to conduct an in depth community consultation regarding the Traffic and Transport Policy. C. Council consult with local members regarding the Traffic and Transport Policy. D. Council report back to the Traffic Committee once the review of the Traffic & Transport Policy is complete. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

KTC03	General Matter - 10 Year Traffic and Transport Plan - Update File: S02527 Vide: GB.2
	To consider adoption of the updated 10 Year Traffic and Transport Plan.
	The Committee’s Comments: Strategic Transport Engineer spoke on this item to discuss the updates in the 10 Year Traffic and Transport Plan. Representing Member for Davidson expressed his objection to the request for a speed camera on page 18 of the 10 Year Traffic and Transport Plan, rank 26. He suggested that this be removed from the Plan. State Member for Ku-ring-gai commends the Council for not only having a 10 Year Plan but the proposal to revise the plan every 5 years. The State Member requested a meeting to discuss the priorities with regards to regional and state roads that are on here, to be able to put Council’s case forward to the State Government for any funding within the Ku-ring-gai electorate area.
	The Committee Recommends: That the draft 2019-2028 Traffic and Transport Plan be adopted by Council. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

KTC04	Roland Avenue, Wahroonga File: TM11/11 Vide: GB.3
	To consider the installation of traffic calming devices along Roland Avenue, Wahroonga.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic and Transport spoke on this item to outline the traffic issues and the proposed options. The Representative for Bike North agreed with the proposed calming measures on Roland Avenue but suggested that parking be further restricted around the sharp corner where rumble bars are in place. The Member for Ku-ring-gai supported the proposed calming measures.
	The Committee Recommends: That a detailed design be carried out for two lane angled slow points at four locations along Roland Avenue, as shown in Plan Roland/KTC/02/19. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

KTC05	Link Road/Stanley Street/Horace Street, St Ives File: TM9/11 Vide: GB.4
	To consider the replacement of the roundabout at the intersection of Horace Street, Link Road and Stanley Street with traffic signals.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic & Transport informed the Committee of the result of the consultant’s report on the feasibility of replacing the existing roundabout at the intersection of Link Road/Stanley Street/Horace Street with a traffic light. The Member for Ku-ring-gai advised that students of Masada College has the option of crossing Link Road at Mona Vale Road intersection than crossing at Stanley Street roundabout. The Committee members advised that the signalised crossing is about 500m away from the roundabout and it would not be practical for students to walk all the way to Mona Vale Road to cross the road. The Chairperson of the Committee advised that he has seen more students crossing in the middle of Link Road than at the roundabout. The Representing Member for RMS advised that it would be the responsibility for Council to find funding. He further advised that the summary of the report itself confirmed that the proposed traffic lights to replace the roundabout would not be a preferred option. As a result, the RMS representative advised that there is no guarantee that funding will come through from RMS to this project. The Representing Member for Davidson advised that there is a gap in traffic allowing pedestrians to cross at the roundabout with due care. He therefore believes there is no need to take any action to replace the roundabout with traffic lights. The Manager Traffic & Transport advised that given the absence of any recorded accidents involving pedestrians at this roundabout, it would be highly unlikely that this project would receive funding from RMS. As an alternate to traffic lights, consideration could be given to a mid-block signalised crossing between the roundabout and Newhaven Place for school children to cross Link Road safely than at the Stanley Street roundabout.
	The Committee Recommends: That Council investigate the feasibility of a mid-block signalised pedestrian crossing on Link Road, between the roundabout at Link Road/Stanley Street and Newhaven place, and report back to the Traffic Committee. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

State Member for Ku-ring-gai departed during discussion

Representing Bike North departed during discussion

KTC06	Tryon Road, Lindfield File: TM6/11 Vide: GB.5
	To consider widening Tryon Road on both sides of Archbold Road to allow sufficient width to provide right turn bays.
	The Committee’s Comments: Team Leader Traffic spoke on this item to outline the traffic issues and the proposed options. The Representing Member for Davidson suggested to look at items GB.5 and GB.6 as an area wide review to be able to seek funding from higher sources. Councillor Ngai discussed the existing traffic condition and driver behaviour at this signalised intersection, and he welcomes the proposed treatment.
	The Committee Recommends: That subject to available funding, a detailed design be prepared for the widening of Tryon Road at Archbold Road. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

KTC07	Archbold Road, Lindfield File: TM6/11 Vide: GB.6
	To consider measures to improve safety at several unsignalised intersections along Archbold Road, Lindfield.
	The Committee’s Comments: That Council’s Team Leader Traffic & Transport spoke on this item to outline the traffic issues and the proposed options. Councillor Ngai discussed the option of introducing ‘Left Only’ during peak periods, being ‘Mon-Fri 6-10am & 3-7pm’. Representing Member for Davidson discussed the option of introducing ‘No Right Turn’ restriction during peak periods only, being ‘Mon-Fri 6-10am & 3-7pm’ and review this after 12 months. Following extensive discussion between the Committee Members, it was decided to restrict right turn movements out of the eastern leg of Chelmsford Avenue onto Archbold Road.
	The Committee Recommends: That ‘Left Only’ restrictions be introduced on the eastern leg of Chelmsford Avenue at Archbold Road, as shown on Plan No. Chelmsford/KTC/02/19. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

KTC08	Park Avenue, Roseville File: TM8/11 Vide: GB.7
	To consider the installation of ‘No Stopping 8am-9.30am, 2.30pm-4pm School Days’ restrictions on the northern side of Park Avenue near Archbold Road.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic & Transport spoke on this item to outline the traffic issues and the proposed options. He advised that the proposed part-time kerbside restriction is to discourage parent/carers from parking in Park Avenue and dangerously crossing the road during school peak hours. Further this restriction would provide better visibility for the residents when exiting their properties. The Representing Member for Davidson informed the Committee that residents of Park Avenue attempted twice to introduce parking restrictions outside their properties. He believes that their driveways are not different to other driveways in Ku-ring-gai and they should be treated equally. He further advised that when parents park their vehicles on the northern side of Park Avenue and escort their children, then there is no issue of danger. Taking all these into consideration, he believes that the proposed restrictions in Park Avenue is unnecessary. The Manager Traffic & Transport advised that parents have the option of parking closer to Roseville Public School rather than parking a couple of blocks away from the school. The proposed kerbside restrictions in Park Avenue is mainly to address the dangerous pedestrian safety at Archbold Road intersection rather than to address residents’ concern with restricted visibility.
	The Committee Recommends: A. That ‘No Stopping 8am-9.30am, 2.30pm-4pm School Days’ restrictions be installed on the northern side of Park Avenue near Archbold Road, as shown in Plan Park/TDA/188/18 Rev 1. B. That the double centre lines in Park Avenue at Archbold Road be modified, as shown in Plan Park/KTC/02/19 Rev 1. C. That residents of No. 2 Park Avenue, 33 Archbold Road and Council’s Team Leader Regulation be informed of Council’s decision. For the Recommendation: Councillor Spencer, Roads & Maritime Services and Representing Police Local Area Command North Shore Against the Recommendation: Representing Member for Davidson

KTC09	Ortona Road, Lindfield File: TM6/11 Vide: GB.8
	To consider the installation of ‘No Stopping’ restrictions on all four legs of the intersection of Ortona Road and Eton Road, Lindfield.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic & Transport informed the Committee that this proposal was a minor one, but received objection from the Representing Member for Davidson when considered under the Delegated Authority. He advised that this intersection is heavily used by parents. Particularly in the afternoon peak hours when they park their vehicles too close to the intersection and walk to Lindfield Public School for collecting their children. The proposal is to formalise the statutory parking restrictions at this intersection whilst maximising the kerbside parking spaces in Ortona Road. As a result of this exercise, the statutory restrictions have gone beyond the recommended 10m at any intersections. He further said that the proposal with increased statutory restrictions does not result in the loss of any parking spaces in Ortona Road, but provided increased visibility at the intersection. The Representing Member for Davidson informed the Committee that his objection to this proposal is not about signposting. Rather, he welcomed the introduction of statutory ‘No Stopping’ restrictions at intersections but they must be consistent with standards. He believes that all statutory restrictions shall be 10m from any intersections and there must be a good reason for moving them further. In this case he believes there is no good reason for increasing the recommended statutory restrictions. The Representing Member for RMS advised that Council can opt to increase the recommended statutory restrictions at intersection depending on situations. These situations can be the presence of driveways and turning paths of vehicles at the intersection. He supports Council’s proposal to increase the restrictions further than the recommended 10m in this case.
	The Committee Recommends: A. That ‘No Stopping’ restrictions be installed on Ortona Road at Eton Road, as shown in Plan Ortona/KTC/02/19. B. That Council’s Team Leader Regulation be informed of Council’s decision. For the Resolution: Councillor Spencer, Roads & Maritime Services and Representing Police Local Area Command North Shore Against the Resolution: Representing Member for Davidson The above Resolution was subject to an Amendment which was LOST. The Lost Amendment was: (Moved: Representing Member for Davidson) That Stop signs outside property numbers 6, 7 and 9 be placed at 10 metres from the intersection. For the Recommendation: Representing Member for Davidson Against the Recommendation: Councillor Spencer, Roads & Maritime Services and Representing Police Local Area Command North Shore

KTC10	Acron Road, St Ives File: TM9/11 Vide: GB.9
	To consider the installation of a median island and additional ‘Stop’ sign and markings in Acron Road, on the southern side of Douglas Street.
	The Committee’s Comments: The Manager Traffic & Transport advised the Committee that the proposal to reinstate the existing ‘STOP’ control in Acron Road at Douglas Street was previously considered by the Delegated Authority, but it received objection from the Representing Member for Davidson. The proposed median island in the middle of Acron Road is to place an additional ‘Stop’ sign to reinforce the existing ‘Stop’ signs on either side of the road. He further advised that the median island is proposed 5m away from the intersection to accommodate turning paths of garbage trucks and other large vehicles. Similar treatments have recently been introduced in Killara area. The Representing Member for Davidson welcomed the proposed treatment but suggests that the median island should be close to the STOP line to discourage motorists from cutting corners. The Representing Member for RMS advised that the proposed 5m set back of the median island matches with the position of the other ‘STOP’ signs. He believes that the propose set back of the island is necessary for accommodating turning paths at the intersection. Council’s Director Operations advised that the 5m set back is necessary to accommodate the turning paths of garbage vehicles. He said if the median island is moved close to the STOP line, the chance of the sign being hit by garbage vehicles is high. For an operational point of view he did not support the Representing Member for Davidson’s suggestion to move the median island close to the intersection.
	The Committee Recommends: A. That the BB lines in Acron Road on the northbound approach to Douglas Street, St Ives, be extended to a distance of 20 metres south of Douglas Street, as shown in Plan No. Acron/KTC/02/19. B. That a short median island be installed in Acron Road, five metres south of Douglas Street, as shown in Plan No. Acron/KTC/02/19, with an additional ‘Stop’ sign mounted in the median. C. That Mr S Schaefer, of 50 Hayle Street, St Ives, be informed of Council’s decision. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY for Recommendations A. & C. For the Recommendation (B. Only): Councillor Spencer, Roads & Maritime Services and Representing Police Local Area Command Ku-ring-gai Against the Recommendation (B. Only): Representing Member for Davidson

general discussion

Member for Davidson

1. Intersection of Balfour Street & Pacific Highway, Lindfield.

Response: Council has prepared a traffic scheme for the Lindfield local centre, which includes modifications to this intersection. Council’s proposal for this intersection is to extend the right turn bay on Pacific Highway (northbound) that provides access to the railway underpass, and to ban right turns from Havilah Road (“underpass road”) onto Pacific Highway and transfer right turn movements to the proposed traffic signals at the intersection of Strickland Avenue and Pacific Highway.

2. Intersection of Tryon Road and Lindfield Avenue, Lindfield.

Response: Discussions with RMS and Transport for NSW are ongoing concerning the intersection configuration. In the meantime, staff are in the early stages of preparing a Request For Quotation for the detailed civil works and traffic signal design for the new traffic signal installation at this intersection.

3. Intersection of Pacific Highway and Beaconsfield Parade, Lindfield.

Response: The proposed signalisation of this intersection is also included in the traffic scheme for the Lindfield local centre, and is the also the subject of RMS review. The upgrade to this intersection is closely related to the Lindfield Village Hub, the proposal for which has not been finalised yet.

4. Archbold Road at Owen Street, Roseville/Lindfield.

Response: Survey of the intersection completed including identifying underground services. A design is yet to be commenced.

The Meeting closed at 10:40 am