Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

I asked two questions at the full WC council meeting.

The question, and its answer, were as follows.

Question 1.

The proposed 18T Weight Limit on Cleveland Bridge is likely to have significant implications for many villages and towns in Wiltshire.

The proposal, to be enforced through an Experimental Order approved by the B&NES Cabinet on 14 September, and to be implemented early next year, appears to have been ill-considered and, as an Experimental Order, it has not benefited from the full consultation that would normally be associated with such a proposal. Many believe that B&NES has acted in a cavalier manner, choosing to avoid consultation and the submission of a full portfolio of evidence to support the proposal. It has succumbed to political pressure to the detriment of neighbouring authorities and it appears indifferent to the effect that such a proposal will have on nearby villages and towns.

Two possible approaches for Wiltshire Council to adopt in respect of the Experimental Order are:

To seek a Judicial Review to examine the process adopted by B&NES in approving the proposal.

To adopt ‘safeguarding measures’ for the villages by imposing restrictions on the roads through the villages likely to be affected by the Experimental Order such that heavy lorries will be prohibited from using them.

Can you please confirm if either, or both, of these approaches is being considered by you and the reasons if they are not.

Response.

The proposal approved by BaNES in September to introduce an 18T weight limit over Cleveland Bridge continues to concern Wiltshire Council.

In discussion with BaNES, it has been agreed that they will fund traffic measurements on significant routes through Wiltshire to measure the volume of heavy vehicles prior to the temporary order being put in place. Measurements will continue after the temporary order has been implemented. If the increase is significant, Wiltshire Council will vigorously oppose the conversion of the temporary order into a permanent order.

BaNES has also given an undertaking that they will carry out a further consultation and analysis prior to implementation. We will ensure that the appropriate Town Councils and Area Boards are aware of this consultation.

With regard to judicial review, this is usually a last resort and only used when other statutory remedies have been exhausted. Given that there will be further informal and formal opportunities for the council to exert its influence, judicial review is not currently considered to be an appropriate course of action.

Imposing corresponding restrictions on Wiltshire’s roads would have the effect of increasing the length of diversionary routes yet further, and would have an almost inevitable adverse impact on the local economy as well as increasing carbon emissions.