Issue - decisions

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1.  Note that in the absence of a solution to restrict HGV movements over the bridge which has been agreed with the haulage trade associations, neighbouring authorities, National Highways and the Secretary of State, all unilateral options carry high degrees of risk of a PRN appeal and/or a legal challenge.

2.  In light of the resolution made at the 9 September Cabinet Meeting (E3303) to adopt recommendation 2.1 in the corresponding Officer report, recognise the need to maintain good working relationships with the Council’s neighbouring authorities and National Highways so as not to undermine the investment being made into a wider, strategic study into north-south connectivity between the M4 and the Dorset Coast with an aim of making the A350 the strategic route and thereby limiting HGV use of Cleveland Bridge as part of the Government’s Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-25).

3.  Consider strengthening the Council’s transport policies to: protect the amenity of the Bath World Heritage Site setting, continue to improve air quality standards, reduce vehicular demand on road space, and respond to the climate and ecological emergencies already declared by the Council. This could include, if necessary, the introduction of further restrictions and/or increased charges on vehicles entering Bath. In line with the legislation, note that any net revenues generated from any proposed charging scheme would be applied to facilitate the achievement of these policies.

4.  Consider early engagement with the haulage trade associations, neighbouring authorities, National Highways and the Secretary of State with a view to exploring a variation to the Bath Clean Air Zone Charging Order 2021 so that all Euro VI diesel powered vehicles with weight exceeding 12 tonnes[1] become chargeable under the scheme, for the benefit of air quality and the amenity of the CAZ area (including the Grade II* Cleveland Bridge) and the wider Bath World Heritage Site setting. As part of this and with a view to protecting local SMEs and their supply chains that may have recently invested in Euro VI diesel vehicles, explore the option of also introducing a time-limited exemption to complement the existing exemptions for hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles. Subject to undertaking further feasibility work and being able to develop and implement a workable scheme, this would have the net effect of disincentivising all diesel-powered HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes from using the CAZ area as a through route.

5.  Noting the high risk of appeal and/or legal challenge, and the resource implications highlighted in the report below, do not proceed with the TRO option at this time.