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Division(s): Ploughley, Bicester South,

Yarnton & Otmoor

ITEM TIC14

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE -
4 MARCH 2004

PROPOSED WEIGHT RESTRICTION B430 WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN INITIAL CONSULTATION

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. This report considers responses received to an informal consultation on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order restricting heavy commercial vehicles travelling southbound on the B430 at Weston-on-the-Green.

    2. Background

  2. The B430 serves the villages of Weston-on-the-Green, Middleton Stoney and Ardley and also provides a useful link between the M40/A43 at Junction 10 and the A34 to Oxford, Newbury and the South Coast. It is therefore increasingly used as a shortcut by lorry drivers wishing to avoid the congestion which occurs frequently at Junction 9. Typically, heavy goods vehicles represent more than 8% of the total 12 hour flow, whereas for a road of this category this would be expected to be about 4%.

  3. The proposed Order is intended to deter this use by imposing a restriction in the vicinity of the A34 overbridge to restrict heavy commercial vehicles travelling southbound only (i.e. gaining access to A34 south-west). Imposing a restriction in the other direction at this point would have a detrimental effect on local businesses particularly in Weston-on-the-Green and Weston Park.

  4. The local diversion for vehicles affected by this restriction would be via A34 eastbound to the roundabout at M40 Junction 9, circumnavigating the roundabout and then A34 westbound.

    5. Consultations

  5. No objections have been received to the proposal. The Police, whilst approving the general principle, are insistent that clear signing should be provided to ensure that affected users should be in no doubt as to the status of the restriction. This requirement stems from the use of this road as a diversion route when a motorway closure is in effect at which time the weight restriction would be suspended.

  6. Although the Highways Agency was contacted by virtue of their interests in the M40, A43 and A34, no comments have been received. However officers are of the opinion that subject to adequate funding (by the Council) for advance signing on those roads, they are unlikely to object at the formal consultation stage.

  7. During informal discussions the Highways Agency announced their intention to reduce congestion at M40 Junction 9 as part of a package of measures planned for late 2005. If these measures are successful it might be possible to subsequently rescind these proposals. However, without greater certainty from the Highways Agency, officers recommend the HGV restriction be implemented at the earliest opportunity

  8. Consultation responses are summarised at Annex 1 (download as .doc file) with a location plan at Annex 2 (download as .doc file) .

    9. Environmental Implications

  9. There will be local improvements in quality of life, air quality and reduction in noise for properties with frontages on the B430.

    10. Financial and Staff Implications

  10. In addition to local signing at the restriction point, significant informatory signing will be required in the vicinity of Junction 9 (on Highways Agency roads), which is likely to cost in the region of £20,000 depending on funding being available from the Capital Programme.

  11. Design work will be undertaken from within existing staff resources.

    12. RECOMMENDATIONS

  12. The Committee is recommended to:

          1. authorise the Director of Environment & Economy to proceed with negotiations with the Highways Agency regarding signing proposals; and

          2. proceed with the formal consultation and publication of a Draft Traffic Regulation Order.

DAVID McKIBBIN
HEAD OF TRANSPORT

Background papers:

Contact Officer: Paul Foot Tel: 01865 844300

February 2004

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