Name of meeting QTP Executive Board

Date and time Tuesday 24 June 2014 at 10:30

Venue Upstairs Conference Room, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport

Present David Rogers (DR) – Chair, Morris Barton (MB) – Chamber of Commerce, Matt Kitchin (MK) – Southern Vectis (SV), Cllr John Medland (JM), Steve Porter (SP) Transport Group, Hugh Walding (HW) – Friends of the Earth (FOE), Chris Wells (CW) – IWC, Emma Brown (EB) – IWC (minute taker)

1 Apologies

Bobby Lock (BL) – Community Rail Partnership (CRP)

2 Items raised by QTP Users Group

The last meeting was held on 13 May 2014. Tricia Merrifield from IW Bridleways Group presented a paper outlining issues of horses on roads. It was also suggested that the Freight Forum be reinstated.

Island Line

• DfT and SWT have both made it clear that they have no wish to see close. CW and DR have been working with Roger Berrisford, a local rail expert on a report which explores a number of possible options for the future of the line. DfT and SWT are aware of this work which is hoped will help inform further discussion.

• It is important to retain and improve access between the settlements along the route and with its mainland connections via and . The Steam Railway would like to connect to Island Line and get back into Ryde.

• CW was hoping to work with SWT on an options paper but it was clear following recent meeting hosted by them that this wasn’t going to be possible. The way forward is likely to arrange a meeting with those who were at Havenstreet meeting but without SWT and DfT. Agree a way forward and go then go back to DfT with preferred options. It looks positive as we’re ahead of schedule. MK asked what the status of Ryde is as he thought millions were needed to be spent on it. CW said that works were carried out to the line after the winter storms which cost a considerable amount. Some work to the Pier was done at this time but it was felt unlikely that further work to the pier will be carried out before the end of the current franchise.

Buses

• Number 12 bus was supposed to have bike racks but this hasn’t happened. New timetable is better as it includes ferry crossings and community bus times. Need to look at connections with number 4 to East Cowes – MK says

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they can’t ensure connection for people getting off and people getting on but if you’re quick you can just about do it. This bus has become increasingly popular due to people visiting Waitrose and Osborne House.

• MB felt that pedestrian crossing between Prince of Wales pub and the entrance to Osborne House is dangerous and should be moved away from the corner.

• It was noted that is now operating the bus from Town Quay to Central train station and it runs every half an hour. The cost is £1 but this is refunded when you buy a Red Funnel ticket.

Real Time Information (RTI)

• Timetable has slipped but RTI could still happen in some form. Will Ainslie (WA), LSTF Project Manager, progressed it as best he could but a range of issues including sign off from operators meant that he was unable to move it forward quickly enough to be completed last financial year. Despite initial hopes DfT was not able to let local authorities carry funding forward into this financial year. WA is talking to Red Funnel who has installed RTI supplied by Hogia. It is felt that this simpler system could be extended and rolled out at other transport locations.

• SV currently have RTI so they know where their buses are but this information isn’t yet available to the public. A mobile phone app will also be developed and will be more reliable than information provided at bus stops. The opportunity exists to connect different systems together.

• Next stop Information needs to be put on buses, and would be especially useful for tourists. CW – now in place in Southampton and elsewhere there is a need to secure funding and deliver this in partnership with the bus operator.

• Although successful in many ways it has proved difficult to deliver such a large project with limited staff resources. LSTF2 has been developed in a different way and will be rolled out in partnership with a broad range of partners.

Cross-Solent Travel

• Whilst it was recognised that running empty ferries is not cost effective, YFUG are aware that many locals rely on good and reliable cross Solent links to get to and from the Island and daytime ferries are essential for these journeys. YFUG feel that the operator concentrates more on holiday trade.

• Hovertravel has invested in new craft and buildings. Red Funnel is working in partnership with SCC and IWC to improve connections between Southampton and East Cowes. Funding achieved would be used to improve highways and public realm on both sides. Private sector funding would be used to improve ferries and marshalling facilities and terminal buildings.

• Commuting with a bike has always been problematic for people using the Red Jet service but this will change soon as they are installing cycle racks on the craft. CW said this is being funded using LSTF money administered by Community Action. MK said there aren’t enough bike racks at Red Jet terminal at Cowes and there was a need to look at the current provision at the Park and Ride site.

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• Val Lawson offered to do a presentation on the impact of transport on the environment at the next meeting of the Users Group on 16 September. Action DR to invite JM to attend.

3 Items from Chamber Strategic Infrastructure Group (SIG)

• MK suggested inviting a representative from each of the ferry operators to future meetings of the QTP Executive Board. SP expressed some concerns that the discussions at the QTP Exec Board will then duplicate the work of the SIG.

• A founding member of the QTP, MB explained that partnership was originally formed to allow structured debate and discussion between Council officers, Members operators and users and was keen to ensure that the QTP continue to operate as an independent group.

• SP former QTP Chair, reminded the group that the QTP was restructured so as to tray and involve the main Cross Solent Transport operators who had for some time not attended meetings. Since the revision the QTP now operates with Users Group (UG) meetings and Exec Board (EB). Issues raised by the UG are now referred up to the EB and onto the SIG which at that time was being attended by Hovertravel, SWT / Island Line and Southern Vectis. It was noted that Red Funnel now attends and the meetings have been a useful forum to discuss key local and strategic transport issues.

• MK recognised that the QTP board needed a representative from operators and suggested contacting Sean Millward to ask him to attend future meetings. DR has invited him in the past but he wasn’t able to attend. Further efforts will be made to attract a representative from Wightlink.

• Tim Shoveller and Andy Naylor (SWT) are both invited to SIG, Phil Dominey has attended to represent SWT and Island Line and it was recognised that the list of invitees needs to be revised to invite the most appropriate people - who probably would attend.

• MB said that in the past there were partnerships between IWC and businesses but he felt that this isn’t the case now. JM responded saying that the Chamber and IWC have a very good working relationship – probably better than ever before

• DR important to maintain an independent QTP. SP asked MK where he would be most happy to be. MK said that this meeting is very useful as is SIG. Both meetings are scheduled close together so members end up talking about the same matters. QTP Executive Board is on a four monthly cycle starting in January and CIG meets on a four monthly cycle starting in February. If this is put back to March, that would alleviate the problem. The next meeting of SIG should be put back from September to October. MK suggested holding the Operators Group first to be followed by the QTP Executive Board.

• It was agreed that that it was essential to ensure that all operators are engaged in discussions and that the groups work well together. CW felt if the was an overlap, then it would be possible to rethink how they operate and relate to one another and if required the role of the Executive Board could be just oversee the other groups and meet less frequently

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• DR suggested having the QTP Users Group on 16 September, followed by a SIG then QTP EB on 14 October. For 2015, he suggested January and every 4 months for Users Group, February and every 4 months for Operators Group then March and every 4 months for Executive Board. Look at renaming the SIG with the agreement of the Chamber.

4 Membership – update

• None.

5 Updates

Island Roads

• Tony Toynton, PFI Contract Manager, was invited to this meeting but was unable to attend but he will be invited to future meetings. JM suggested inviting someone from Island Roads as well, possibly Paul Herbert.

• It was noted that the PFI contract specified the requirement to set up apprenticeship scheme and to use local companies where possible but it was felt that most of the surfacing work is being undertaken by Eurovia, a mainland company. It was hoped to get an update at a future meeting.

• DR asked where we can ask why IR advertises road closures which then don’t happen. MK said this affects SV, Royal Mail, refuse lorries, freight traffic and local shops. It is important that issues are resolved now as there are another 6 years of road upgrading.

• Problem with a pothole at Shanklin station forecourt which hasn’t been resolved for 5 months. A decision to fill the hole needs to be made by Network Rail. CW suggested contacting Sam McCarthy (SWT) or Phil Dominey who might be able to help get it resolved.

• A meeting had been held between officers from PFI contract management team and members. It had been explained at that meeting how the contract is to be delivered and roads maintained. Some attending had thought that all the Islands roads were to be improved whereas the contract asks that they are all brought up to an agreed standard. Those already at that standard may not need further work.

• It was recognised the important role that the council’s contract management team play so as to ensure the best standards and value for money.

Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF)

• Planning application approved for works between Newport and Island Harbour. Still trying to purchase a piece of land for Newport to Wootton stretch which has been complicated by the construction of a solar farm approved adjoining the route.

• There are problems with a local resident who has horses who is objecting to works on route from Shanklin to Wroxall and has now extended her objections to the possible improvement of any bridleways across the Island. Works to improve route through Quarr have been held up until Quarr Abbey’s own works to extend and resurface their car park have been completed.

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• Grant programme looking at cycle infrastructure improvements. Community Action IW are running the programme and lots of bids have been received. MK was disappointed that two SV bids weren’t progressed because they were on the highway and a planning application for the works would be too complex.

• MK – Cllr Paul Fuller has been trying to get a new bus stop on route 32 outside Aldi in Cowes but no-one will take responsibility. CW said that the council had funding for transport improvements as part of the integrated transport block. It will be necessary to consider this alongside other suggested schemes but in theory it shouldn’t be that difficult.

Action: MK to forward information on bids to JM.

• LSTF2 bid has been submitted to DfT but the timetable has slipped and we haven’t yet heard if we’ve been successful. LSTF1 provided funding for hard infrastructure but LSTF2 is more about “hearts and minds”, and will try to encourage travel to work and school by sustainable means. There will be a number of people working on delivering this programme which is only for one year.

Solent Transport

• Cllr Ian Stephens now regularly attends Solent Transport and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP) meetings helping to ensure that the Island has a stronger voice in these important meetings.

• A Joint scheme to improve public realm and highways in Southampton and East Cowes is being developed in partnership with Southampton City Council (SCC) Red Funnel and others. It is proposed that the Ferry terminals will move to new premises in Southampton and East Cowes improving facilities and releasing land for beneficial development. The bid will fund public realm and new highways on both sides of the Solent; it will also fund the construction of a new floating bridge. The Red Funnel element will be provide upgrade ferries and new marshalling facilities in East Cowes.

• Four schemes were approved by the LEP and this is currently the reserve scheme. MB said there is a need to look at adding a new Red Jet service between Southampton and East Cowes improving links to the eastern part of the Island. CW was worried that there is a danger that if we suggest this this we might lose West Cowes service.

6 Cross-Solent Ferry Issues

• Two new hovercraft are being constructed and are close to completion. With these new craft Hovertravel will be able to run the service more efficiently. MK asked if the West Cowes to route was still due to go ahead? No-one was able to provide an answer.

• MB asked if the Ryde Ferry Users Group is running but it was decided it wasn’t.

7 Topics for Future Discussion

• Floating bridge. It currently doesn’t charge for foot passengers and makes a profit but not enough to replace itself. Would people be prepared to pay? MB said that East Cowes businesses would suffer if a charge was levied. JM

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suggested discussing this at future meetings.

Action: Floating bridge to be added as a standing agenda item.

8 Next Meeting

Tuesday 21 October 2014 at 10:30 in the Upstairs Conference Room, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport.

Note

Details of the Island Transport Plan, LSTF, Solent Transport and QTP, including agendas and minutes, can be found by clicking here.

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