Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The Agency isn't happy with the proposed ban.

The Highways Agency (HA) has sent a strongly-worded letter to B&NES setting out why it thinks the proposed lorry ban on the A36 at Cleveland Bridge is a retrograde step.

The HA 'controls' all the country's main roads - motorways and trunk roads. As a trunk route the A36 is under their control but, for 'historic maintenance reasons', B&NES has control of the road within their boundary.

The letter states:

'Our fundamental objections to the scheme are that the proposal would result in a discontinuity of the strategic southern route for commercial traffic with a resultant significant diversion. Other concerns include the increase in HGV traffic on the congested M5 link between junctions 18 & 19 and the M32 junction 1, and the quality and ambiguity of the information and instructions to be given to our customers (!) as they follow the well-established route south and find it is no longer available to them.'

After complaining about the lack of response to their letter, the HA continues:

'This section still forms part of a wider strategic route for north/south transport movements. Given its importance to the strategic network and by default the UK economy, a measure such as this should be considered carefully and should ideally be supported by a clear strategy for the movement of freight around Bath.'

The writer concludes:

'For the avoidance of doubt I can confirm that the Highways Agency's position has not changed. We consider the proposal to be detrimental to the function and operation of the Strategic Road Network and that there is no coherent strategy to support the reallocation of freight movements. Given the above, I would urge you to reconsider your position and trust this clarifies the Agency's position for your members.'