Contact: Keith Pauw, tel: 01962 857808

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That an order be made under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in that length of Outlands Lane, Curdridge between its junction with the A3051 and a point 51 metres north thereof.

2. Reason

2.1 Following the making permanent of the Prohibition of Driving (Except for Access) Order (1998) on Outlands Lane, Curdridge by the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee in January 1998, this report seeks to close the road at its southern end in order to exclude through traffic - a detailed plan will be displayed at the meeting. The decision of the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee in 1998 followed a longer standing intention of a permanent road closure of Outlands Lane as the preferred long term solution and as a necessary part of the proposed construction of the Whiteley Way Distributor Road. As that scheme has been delayed, the former Sub-Committee decided to trial a Prohibition of Driving Order in April 1996. The Order was made permanent by the former Sub-Committee in January 1998. Despite implementing the Order, extraneous traffic continues to use the road as a `rat run' causing nuisance and risk to local residents. Four accidents have occurred in Outlands Lane in the last three years.

2.2 The proposal was formally advertised with the approval of the local Member, Councillor Mason, and the Police. As a result 66 letters of objection (including two petitions), one letter of comments and 27 letters of support were received in response. The issues raised are summarised in the attached appendix, together with officer's comments.

2.3 In view of the level of correspondence generated by the proposal, the Executive Member for Environment visited Outlands Lane on 11 March 2002 and met with the local Member, the National Farmers' Union and the Parish Council. In addition to a discussion on the proposed closure as advertised, consideration was given to a recent campaign by the principal objectors for the closure to be replaced by an unspecified traffic calming scheme. The meeting was advised that the only traffic calming that would be likely to have a severe effect on through traffic would be a series of road humps throughout Outlands Lane. Given the urbanising effect of such a proposal, particularly since street lighting would be required, and the likely overall cost, this was not considered to be a viable solution.

2.4 After reviewing the objections to the closure it is considered that on balance the reduced risk to all highway users of Outlands Lane achieved by removing through traffic from the road outweighs the disbenefits of less convenient access to some properties. On balance, none of the objections are considered significant enough to justify not pursuing the closure or to replace it with an alternative traffic calming scheme.

2.5 The objections have been discussed with the local Member, Councillor Mason, and he supports the scheme as set out in this report. The proposal also has support from the Police and the Parish Council.

3. Legal Implication - The Traffic Regulation Order would be made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

4. Other Options Considered and Rejected - Not applicable.

5. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

6. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

7. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7032/KP