Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2018/046

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Infrastructure Delivery (CMDE8).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce lower speeds limits on the A40 Witney bypass and Downs Road, and a 7.5 tonne environmental weight on the B4047 between its junction with the A40 at the west end of the Witney bypass and Downs Road put forward as part of the major West Witney residential and commercial development.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve proposals to introduce lower speeds limits on the A40 Witney bypass and Downs Road, and a 7.5 tonne environmental weight on the B4047 between its junction with the A40 at the west end of the Witney bypass and Downs Road as advertised

Approved.

With regard to the road leading from Old Minter Lovell officers to investigate the need for additional signage or further restrictions to address potential issues for lorries over 7.5 tonnes exiting a currently unrestricted area for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and entering a 7.5 tonnes restricted area.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered CMDE8 responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce lower speeds limits on the A40 Witney bypass and Downs Road, and a 7.5 tonne environmental weight on the B4047 between its junction with the A40 at the west end of the Witney bypass and Downs Road put forward as part of the major West Witney residential and commercial development.

She also noted comments emailed in by one of the local members County Councillor Fenton reinforcing the need for proper enforcement.

Another local member Councillor Walker spoke in support. The proposals were long overdue and had received a great deal of local support.  However, one area of concern remained regarding the bridge at Old Minster Lovell which he felt needed to be included in the 7.5 tonne restriction in order to prevent 14.5 tonne vehicles entering the restricted area.

The Cabinet Member recognised the concerns regarding the bridge although it was difficult to understand what 14.5 tonne vehicles would be accessing that area. Nevertheless, signing was important and as this had been S278 funded an approach could be made to underwrite that.  Having regard to the information set out in the report before her and the representations made to her at the meeting the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

(a)         to approve proposals to introduce lower speeds limits on the A40 Witney bypass and Downs Road, and a 7.5 tonne environmental weight on the B4047 between its junction with the A40 at the west end of the Witney bypass and Downs Road as advertised;

(b)         with regard to the road leading from Old Minter Lovell officers investigate the need for additional signage or further restrictions to address potential issues for lorries over 7.5 tonnes exiting a currently unrestricted area for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and entering a 7.5 tonnes restricted area.

Signed…………………………………….

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing……………………………