Wiltshire Council has listended to myself, the councillor for Semington, and both Hilperton and Semington parish councils; and decided that something needs to be done!
What happens next?
As a result of the shown increase in vehicle use, Wiltshire Council proposes the introduction of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to prohibit motor vehicles from using these routes unless for access to adjacent land/premises. This will be a sign only restriction as any physical barrier would be detrimental to equestrians, cyclists, and mobility impaired users.
What is an ETRO?
An ETRO is similar to a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order - it is a legal document which imposes traffic and parking restrictions.
An ETRO can stay in force for up to a maximum of 18 months while the effects are monitored and assessed. Feedback is encouraged throughout the process, however, formal comments in relation to the order must be received in the first six months of it coming into operation. ETROs are used to determine if a scheme is effective and allow flexibility for changes. If changes to an ETRO are made, six months are allowed for public comment from the date those changes came into operation.
Any 'non-authorised' vehicle using either by-way will be breaking the law. Hopefully, pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders will take a photo of offending vehicles and pass it to the police for action.
A decision on whether the changes introduced as part of the ETRO will be removed or made permanent must be made within 18 months of an order coming into operation. The decision to make a scheme permanent will follow our formal decision making process and be subject to Cabinet Member decision.