Date: 25 APRIL 2002
Title: OBJECTIONS
TO ADVERTISED TRAFFIC ORDERS
REPORT OF
THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
1. THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL (GREAT PRESTON ROAD/GASSIOT GREEN, RYDE, IW) (WIDTH RESTRICTION) ORDER No 1 2002
SUMMARY
An order to remove the current exemption for local bus services from the existing 6’6” width restriction Order for the section of Great Preston Road between Alexandra Road and High Park Road was advertised in February 2002 and the following representation has been received.
One letter of objection has been received from the Southern Vectis Omnibus Co Ltd. The grounds for the objection are varied but concentrate on the fact that it is their intention to register a revised bus service in the area in the near future, which the proposed restriction would prevent.
In addition it is felt that the proposal would be in contradiction of the normal working practices of a safe routes to school scheme in so far as it would prevent access to the school for public transport services.
EVALUATION
Following concerns expressed by the teachers and governors of Oakfield County Primary School a number of studies were undertaken to establish the potential hazards affecting the safety of the children en-route to and from the school.
As a consequence a Safe Routes to School Scheme was included in the 2001/2002 capital programme.
Further studies have confirmed that the route is incapable of accommodating two way traffic for heavy vehicles which has in the past led to two vehicles meeting head-on, forcing one or other of them to reverse. This activity is particularly hazardous at school times and has a significant negative impact on road safety.
It is, therefore, recommended that the current exemption for buses on a scheduled service is removed from the Order so that the potential for conflict can be removed.
This proposal would have no impact on the ability of buses to call at the school as there is an exemption for vehicles engaged in the conveyance of children, students or clients to or from any school or educational establishment.
There are no scheduled bus services currently operating on the section of road under consideration.
POLICE
COMMENTS
Hampshire
Constabulary has written in support of the proposal.
That the
Order is implemented as advertised.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
1 letter of objection, a copy of
which is attached.
I letter of support from the
Police, a copy of which is attached.
Contact Point : Peter Taylor,
Principal Engineer (Traffic & Transportation)
M J A
FISHER
Strategic
Director
Corporate
and Environment Services