MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE REGULATORY APPEALS COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 21 JANUARY 2003 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM

Present :

Mrs M J Lloyd (Chairman), Mr A J Mundy, Mr R C Richards

14. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations received at this stage.

15. REPORTS OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

Objections To Advertised Traffic Orders

a. The Isle of Wight Council (Bus Stops) (Clearway) Order No 1 2002

Members noted that, In accordance with the Local Transport Plan, the Council had invested heavily in improvements to the bus infrastructure on the Island. In an attempt to improve access for all bus passengers, when boarding or alighting from buses, an Order to provide a clearway on bus stops between 0600 hours to 2400 hours had been advertised during December 2002. Three letters of representation had been received. Two of the letters were in support of the proposed restriction, with one letter objecting on the grounds that the public notice was rather confusing. Following discussions to clarify this issue the letter had now been withdrawn. The Hampshire Constabulary had written to express their support for the proposal.

The Strategic Director also reported that the long awaited review of Traffic and Signs Regulations and General Directions, 2003 had been received. It was considered that the new regulations had the potential to negate the need for the proposed order. However, further clarification of this detail was still to be determined.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Order be implemented as advertised.

b. The Isle of Wight Council (Various Bridges) (Weight Restrictions) Order No 1 2002

The restriction, to prohibit vehicles over 3 tons using Park Road Rail Bridge, was advertised during December in response to a letter received from Railtrack regarding the results of a recent Bridgeguard 111 assessment. The assessment had identified that the railway bridge structure was in need of extensive remedial works and, until the detail of the works could be fully assessed and undertaken, it was deemed necessary to restrict the weight of vehicles to 3 tons for safety reasons. Once the works had been completed it was proposed to remove the restriction.

Discussions had taken place with a local business to allay their concerns that the proposal would have a possible detrimental impact on the commercial viability of their company. The Hampshire Constabulary had written in support of the restriction.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Order be implemented as advertised.

CHAIRMAN