Contact: Patrick Bingham, ext 5421 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal for the installation of overheight vehicle detection equipment at Greatbridge, Romsey, at an estimated cost of £120,000, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy (Stewardship of the Environment) by contributing to improvements in highway safety in the Romsey area.

2.2 The scheme aims to reduce the incidents of overheight vehicle strikes at Greatbridge to improve safety for highway users, avert further structural damage to the bridge and prevent the congestion associated with such incidents.

2.3 An increase in the number of bridge strikes has been recorded since the installation of protective bridge beams in February 2000, with a tendency for vehicles to be deflected by the protective beams onto the adjacent verge or pavement. The footway to the western side of the bridge forms part of a 'safer route' to school.

2.4 The introduction of a similar scheme at the A31 Sun Arch low bridge in Romsey has been successful in reducing the number of bridge strikes at that location.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 It would be possible to leave the rail bridge as it presently is, and rely on the static advance warning signs to advise drivers of high-sided vehicles about the low bridge ahead. This option is not recommended as bridge strikes continue to occur with the static sign in place. In addition, the static signs give no warning to drivers who believe their vehicle is lower than the posted bridge height.

3.2 It would be possible to provide additional static signs to supplement the existing static advance warning signs. Additional static signs are being introduced, but these may not have the necessary effect of preventing further bridge strikes, and, in common with the `do nothing' option, would give no warning to drivers who believe their vehicle is lower than the posted bridge height.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

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

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

Approved by: Date:

Councillor J K Glen

9105Decn/PB