Proposal

Notes

1

The Ridgeway Forum will be invited to monitor progress of Ridgeway surface improvement works against the agreed timetable at 6 monthly intervals.

There was little support for creation of a separate monitoring group. Forum will meet next on 7/5/03.

2

We will thoroughly survey vehicle usage. The data will be assessed against records of damage at selected points to provide objective measures of damage related to use.

No change. Survey programme underway.

3

Areas of previous major repair will be re-assessed both on the ground and using photographic records to provide qualitative measure of efficacy against time.

No change

Spring ‘03

4

We will look for and, where appropriate, implement novel management techniques.

No change, however we are also taking full notice of traditional techniques and the experience of other un-sealed road makers. Spring ‘03

5

Segregation of users may be the best option on some stretches. We will identify such stretches and implement segregation where appropriate.

Initial identification of areas for segregation will be complete by 21^st Feb. ’03.

6

We will work with farmers to identify and develop alternative agricultural access options.

No change.

Summer ‘03

7

A simple decision making protocol will be drawn up to guide the specification of future surface repairs.

No change.

Spring ‘03

8

We will regularly survey surface condition and carry out an annual surface audit. An annual repair programme will be developed from this survey.

Regular surveying will be carried out through the Volunteer Scheme.

A formal November annual survey will be introduced combined with annual Risk Assessment.

9

As a priority we will draw up costed proposals for the repair of all areas currently below the quality standard.

Proposals have been drawn up. Total repair bill over 3 years estimated to be £1,090,000.

10

We will work immediately to secure finance for the repair of sub-standard sections based on a three year programme. Implementation will begin in Spring 2003.

Grant bids have been submitted.

11

Road crossings will be maintained to the same standard as the surrounding Trail.

Original proposal complete. The Management Group has rescinded it’s previous policy of non-maintenance of road crossings.

12

We will work to secure adequate finance to implement a rigorous on-going maintenance programme.

Unchanged and underway.

13

We will ensure that all signing to and from the Ridgeway is accurate.

Unchanged. Clarification being sought regarding signing of ‘Restricted Byways’ following implementation of CROW.

14

The Code of Respect will be reviewed and simplified.

Unchanged. New boards may include advisory 10 mph signs. Draft boards by Autumn ’03, on-site ’04.

15

We will liaise with the Police re Access Specialists and general policing of the Trail

Discussions under way with Thames Valley Police

16

Each Highway Authority will re-examine the experimental proposals for their area to ensure that they will provide the information we are looking for and will bring revised proposals to the Management Group meeting on 11/3/03.

Re-assessment on-going.

Further proposals arising from consultation

17

National Trails Volunteer Co-ordinators will develop a task programme to use help offered by motoring groups

Contact has been made with several groups and a programme of tasks is underway.

18

We will investigate the potential for a licensing system for vehicle use of the Ridgeway.

On-going discussions with LARA and user groups.

19

We will investigate the potential for weight restrictions for vehicles using the Ridgeway.

Advice from LARA is that this will not achieve significant benefits.

20

Selected Traffic Regulation Orders will be sought to restrict vehicular access on vulnerable sections where this could be done without undue impact on the wider network of un-sealed roads.

A Traffic Regulation Order will be sought for Smeathe’s Ridge. Other lengths are under consideration.