Decision details

This was considered by Council on 16^th January 2014.  Full details of the resolution will be available in the minutes, once published.

An officer briefing note had been circulated for this item and is available on the Minute book and attached electronically to the minutes.

The Council considered a motion from the Conservative group.

On a motion from Councillor Martin Veal, seconded by Councillor Alan Hale, it was

RESOLVED that

This Council:

·  Notes that the Highways Agency has announced plans to close the A36 between Hantone Hill in Bathampton and the centre of Brassknocker Hill in the Spring due to essential maintenance work for a period of up to three months.

·  Notes that the Council was unsuccessful in its recent attempt to implement a weight restriction on the A36 due to objections from Wiltshire and Somerset Councils, as a result of concerns over the displacement of HGV traffic.

·  Maintains its ambition to find ways of reducing the number of HGVs travelling into and through Bath.

·  Notes that the Council is continuing its dialogue with Wilthshire Council over cross-boundary traffic issues, including HGVs travelling through Bath.

Council resolves:

1.  To request that Cabinet instruct Officers to work with Wiltshire and Somerset Councils to closely monitor the impact of the planned A36 closure on the displacement of traffic, with particular attention paid to the alternative routes used by HGVs during the closure period, with a view to building an evidence base to support the Council’s position in relation to the need to reduce HGV numbers within Bath.

2.  To request that Cabinet instruct Officers to monitor the impact on visitors numbers within the city and its attractions, as well as the revenue implications to parking and heritage services during the closure period.

[Notes

1.  The above resolution contains wording (as underlined) proposed by Councillor Caroline Roberts and accepted by the mover and seconder of the motion.

2.  The above motion was carried unanimously.