Actions from previous minutes
FH passed to GR to update on the actions from the previous minutes:
Action 1: Ongoing communication of roadworks, and to make it clear where people can obtain the information
Gordon Ramsay (GR) noted information on communications for roadworks was issued alongside the previous Taskforce minutes in his email of 24 July 2024. Action closed.
Action 2: Councillor John Armour and the Council to liaise with BEAR Scotland regarding road matters on the trunk road, including traffic lights, responsiveness and amnesties.
GR confirmed liaison is continuing through BEAR Scotland’s Network Manager. A meeting was also held with Argyll and Bute Council, Cllr John Armour and Transport Scotland with their technical advisors on 29 August. It was agreed a further meeting would be held to discuss other roadworks matters. Argyll and Bute Council to make arrangements. Action ongoing.
Action 3: Eddie Ross to provide update on Array Bridge parapet and Minard Hill.
GR noted that BEAR Scotland confirmed the works at Array recommenced on 2nd September and will be on site for approximately 6 weeks. The Minard Hill works related to utilities works and were completed in July. Action closed.
Action 4: TS to facilitate discussions between Western Ferries, Transport Scotland and Road Haulage Association to consider options for freight during construction to keep businesses and communities thriving
GR confirmed Transport Scotland and Western Ferries are in contact and looking to arrange a meeting with the Road Haulage Association. Date to be confirmed. Action ongoing.
Action 5: Transport Scotland to look at the potential opportunities with Ferries in relation to freight moving around in the area during construction.
GR confirmed Transport Scotland Ferries colleagues are aware of this matter and would be happy to discuss further with hauliers and other interested stakeholders. As with all possible diversion options, it will be important to understand hauliers’ movements in terms of routes and numbers of vehicles, as well as their preferences and constraints. However, it was noted that there would appear to only be scope to remove a limited number of HGVs from the A83 Rest and Be Thankful corridor given potential passage times and vessel capacities. Action ongoing.
Action 6: Transport Scotland colleagues to provide a detailed response to the matters raised by John Gurr, A83 Campaign Group.
A detailed response to the matters raised was provided to John Gurr and the Campaign Group, and a round table discussion was held in Inveraray on 25 July. Action closed.