Agenda item

The Panel will discuss a briefing note that has been prepared regarding this item.

The Traffic Management Manager introduced the item to the Panel. He explained that In October 2000 the Transportation Sub Committee agreed to implement a 7.5 tonne weight limit in The Street, Stowey. It was recommended for implementation in the 2000/2001 Capital Programme, but it is not known why this was never implemented.

He stated that a request had been received and a traffic survey was commissioned at the start of this year to understand the amount of HGV movement in The Street.  That survey revealed that approximately 20 HGVs per day use this road. The road is steep in nature and has a narrow pinch point less than 5 metres in width between residential houses.

He said that it was therefore proposed to install a 7.5 tonne weight limit over the length of The Street from the A368 to the junction with Stowey Road at the top of the hill.  He added that this will be introduced with the intention of preventing HGVs “rat running” along The Street between the A368 to the A37.  Vehicles wishing to access the quarry will still be able to do so via the road at the southern end locally known as Stowey Road from the A37.

He informed them that an informal consultation had been carried out with the police and they had no objection to this proposal although it must be noted that due to the rural nature of the area it is unlikely to receive regular proactive enforcement. He added that a formal statutory consultation process must take place, including a 21 day objection period, when the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) necessary to implement this measure is advertised.

He explained that a funding source would need to be identified given that there were no funds available from the current 2014/2015 Capital Programme.  He stated that the cost of advertising the TRO and to implement the necessary signage would be £5,000. It is intended to seek the agreement of the Cabinet Member for Transport to fund this work via an adjustment to the 2014/2015 capital budget, subject to sufficient funds being available.

He said it was therefore recommended that, once the appropriate funds have been identified, the TRO is progressed and the scheme implemented if no objections are received. He added that if any objections were received and sustained they would be reported to the Cabinet Member for determination.

Councillor Vic Pritchard commented that he was grateful for the speed in which this investigation had been processed. He thanked the Traffic Management Manager for meeting residents on site to see the problem first hand.

Councillor Lisa Brett stated that she was happy to support the proposed recommendation.

The Chair asked if any street cameras should be set up to monitor vehicle movements.

The Traffic Management Manager replied that for an offence to occur the Police would need to actually follow the vehicle for the duration of its journey through the restricted area. He added that the local residents have indicated that they are happy to conduct a survey / monitor the situation once a limit is in place.

Councillor Liz Richardson commented that any incidents could be reported at the local PACT meetings.

The Chair formally proposed to approve the officer recommendation and asked that the Panel be updated on the matter in six months’ time.

The Divisional Director for Environmental Services commented that the recommendation was still reliant on the funding of £5,000 being identified.

The Panel voted unanimously to approve the proposed recommendation.

Alana Weeks commented that she wished to thank officers and Councillors for the work they had done on this matter.