Date: 21 JANUARY 2003
Title: OBJECTIONS TO ADVERTISED TRAFFIC ORDERS
REPORT OF
THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
1. THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL (VARIOUS
BRIDGES) (WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS) ORDER No 1 2002
SUMMARY
An Order to prohibit vehicles over 3 tons
using Park Road Rail Bridge was advertised during December 2002 and one
representation has been received from Highwood Consultants Ltd.
The grounds for the objection are that the
proposed restriction will significantly prejudice the current operation as it
would not be possible to maintain access with 40’ articulated vehicles.
EVALUATION
On the 21st
November 2002 a letter was received from Railtrack regarding the results of a
recent Bridgeguard III assessment, in which it was identified that the railway
bridge structure was in need of extensive remedial works, and until the detail
of these works can be fully assessed and undertaken, it would be necessary to
restrict the weight of vehicles to 3tons, for safety reasons.
A
temporary 3 ton weight restriction Order was introduced on Friday 6th
December 2002, with the current proposed restriction being advertised shortly
after, to ensure that the bridge structure is adequately protected in the
medium term.
As a
consequence a study was undertaken to establish the impact of the restriction
with regards to delivery access in the area to the east of the bridge. Those
businesses likely to be effected, including Highwood, were contacted and
agreement was reached as to how access for large vehicles would be
retained.
As a
result of the steep gradient at the eastern end of Park Road it was concluded
that HGV access would be achieved via St Johns Wood Road where temporary
parking restrictions, between 8am & 5pm, Monday to Friday would apply at
the north-eastern and south-eastern end.
Having
discussed the matter in detail with both the management of Highwood Ltd and
their legal team I am confident that the proposed restriction will have no
serious impact on the commercial viability of their company.
The
potential impact of the proposed restrictions have been analysed in detail and
are not felt to have any negative impact on the provisions of section 17 of the
Crime & Disorder Act 1998.
POLICE COMMENTS
Hampshire
Constabulary have made no written comment with regard to the proposed
restriction.
That the Order
is implemented as advertised
BACKGROUND
PAPERS
One letter
of representation, a copy of which is attached.
Contact
Point: Peter Taylor, Principal Engineer (Traffic & Transportation)
Strategic
Director
Corporate
and Environment Services