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Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Members: Cabinet Member for Transport – 14 September 2006

Statement of Decision

Shillingford Bridge Signalisation

Present:

Also in attendance:

Documentation considered:

A copy is attached to the signed copy of this decision.

Summary of representations in person

On behalf of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Parish Council Mrs Dennis advised that the Parish Council agreed that the bridge needed protection but objected to the permanent introduction of lights. The bridge should remain open to two-way traffic with pedestrian footways either side (not kerbed) to protect the parapets with temporary lights installed during the work programme. That would give some indication of the effects of traffic lights on traffic patterns while allowing further discussion with regard to the long-term options. Existing signing was confusing and the Parish Council were convinced that the current proposals if introduced would exacerbate traffic problems in the immediate area of the bridge and surrounding villages and towns.

Mr Critchlow-Smith and Mr Benner explained the engineering rationale behind the urgent need to transfer traffic loads away from the edge of the bridge. The best way to do that was to provide kerbed footways, which would reduce the carriageway width to 4.5 metres. That would not allow 2 large vehicles to pass each other and therefore traffic signals would be required. There had been significant decay to the bridge over the last 8 years and the parapets were now not strong enough to withstand the impact of a car.

Cabinet Member’s Comments

Councillor Robertson sympathised with the views expressed on behalf of the Parish Council. However, he felt that he must accept professional guidance which supported the introduction of traffic signals as the best option available and which had been reached on the basis of sound engineering principles.

Decision

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before me, the representations made to me and the further considerations set out above, I confirm my decisions on this matter as follows:

Signed

Cabinet Member for Transport

Date ………………………2006

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