Contact: Hannah Baker, ext 6594 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That, in partnership with Wiltshire County Council, a joint informal consultation be undertaken with key stakeholders on a potential scheme to introduce an area-wide weight restriction on the B3078, B3079 and B3080 in the financial year 2006/07.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 2 and 4 (Stewardship of the Environment and Building Safe and Strong Communities) of the Corporate Strategy by moving towards a strategy that aims to improve the quality of life for communities affected by heavy traffic. The longer term solution may also help to protect the environment and landscape within the New Forest National Park.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Do nothing. This option was rejected as a survey has identified a relatively high volume of traffic diverting from the strategic road network across the northern New Forest National Park. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) traffic is having a detrimental impact on the New Forest environment and communities, in terms of verge degradation and noise disruption.

3.2 Similarly, the `do nothing' option is not preferred as Wiltshire County Council could decide to introduce a weight restriction unilaterally, on the B3080 in Wiltshire, which would have an adverse effect on the B3078 in Hampshire due to migratory traffic. Such a diversion of traffic could infringe upon the Hampshire Parishes/Towns of Fordingbridge, Godshill and Brook.

3.3 Voluntary routeing agreements have also been discussed as another option. This would involve working with local businesses by entering into a voluntary routeing agreement with the respective local authorities, thus avoiding the B3078, B3079 and B3080. It was considered by the group that this option would not be favourable as past experience has shown limited compliance and that such schemes are likely to have a short term impact only.

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

464Decn/HB