Actions from previous minutes

FH discussed the actions from the previous minutes:

Action 1

Transport Scotland to consider an agenda item on water saturation at a future Taskforce meeting.

  • Gordon Ramsay (GR) noted that today’s Taskforce will largely focus on the constructability of the LTS (Action 5), however, we will consider including water saturation as an agenda item at a future meeting.

Action 2

Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland to specifically raise the matter of correct messaging with the relevant media outlet(s).

  • GR confirmed that Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland have met with the media outlets, including the BBC and STV, to reinforce the need for messaging to be correct. GR added that Transport Scotland will continue to monitor the messaging which has been changed to advise the public that “The RaBT is open via the Old Military Road”.

Action 3

Transport Scotland / AWJV to consult with bus operators and other key stakeholders regarding the design development of the bus turning area.

  • GR confirmed that Transport Scotland/AWJV have met with West Coast Motors and Garelochhead Coaches to discuss the bus turning area at the RaBT. GR added that engagement with other stakeholders is ongoing, and feedback is being collated following the conclusion of the feedback period for the recent public engagement events, which ended on 10 May.

Action 4

Transport Scotland to share details of upcoming engagement events with Taskforce members to help promote the details of these events with their networks (details to be provided in due course).

  • GR confirmed details of the public engagement events held in March 2024 were shared with A83 Taskforce members on 6 March and published across TS social media channels / website.

Action 5

Transport Scotland / AWJV to update the Taskforce on traffic operation and disruption during construction at the next meeting.

  • GR informed attendees that this action would form part of today’s presentation.

Action 6

Taskforce members to help shape the agenda content going forward by sending a note sufficiently in advance of the meetings for particular topics / agenda items they wish to be covered.

  • FH acknowledged that JG sent in a list of questions ahead of the meeting and hopefully others will continue to do so.

Action 7

Transport Scotland and AWJV to give consideration to the introduction of toilets at the RaBT viewpoint car park when developing the design.

  • GR noted that there has been a number of engagements with stakeholders on this topic and also following the public engagement events which will form part of today’s presentation.

Action 8

BEAR Scotland to update Cllr William Sinclair with respect to any future maintenance works in Arrochar.

  • GR confirmed BEAR Scotland provided an update to Cllr Sinclair the following day after the meeting.

Action 9

Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland to review and give feedback to the Taskforce on the overturned vehicles in December 2023.

  • Eddie Ross (ER) confirmed only Police Scotland have the powers to close a road, and in relation to the overturned lorries Police Scotland took the decision to keep the A83 closed until weather conditions improved sufficiently that the lorries could safely be recovered. The road was reopened as soon as it was safe to do so. He added that since the event there has been another overturned lorry at Loch Restil and Transport Scotland has asked BEAR to develop a wind management plan and upgrade the weather station in-situ.

FH noted that for those that missed the start of the meeting, a summary of actions will be circulated. FH then asked attendees if there are any issues from the actions discussed. No response was given.