Archived decisions

Objector

Summary of Objections

Officer's Comments

Outcome/Recommendation

1. Resident of Springles Lane

a) Because of closure would be obliged to detour onto a dangerous road.

b) Journey time increased therefore petrol costs increased which, for reasons already explained, we cannot afford to travel Whiteley Lane direction.

a) The resident will be required to use the Fontley Road/ Springles Lane junction to exit the lane.

The location of the closure is mid point along the lane and will stop traffic illegally using it. It is the only location suitable.

There have been two slight injury accidents recorded near the junction of Springles Lane and Fontley Road during the three year period up to the end of June 2006. One at the junction.

(i) A car waiting to turn right into Springles Lane struck in rear by following car (October 2005).

(ii) Car negotiating bend collided with trailer attached to LGV/ HGV parked on bend whilst loading a digger onto its trailer at time of collision (February 2005).

Warning signs and `Slow' markings were introduced along Fontley Road together with surface dressing treatment by Safety Engineering in 2004 in response to the accident record along Fontley Lane.

b)The destination point regarding this objection is from the resident's home in Springles Lane to Whiteley Way.

Using GIS systems the additional mileage is approximately 1.12 miles per journey. The average prices for fuel in the UK are:

Unleaded 84.4p per litre

Diesel 89.3p per litre

Super unleaded 85.3p per litre

Assuming an additional 31.36 miles per week based on a 7-day week four journeys per day the additional fuel used is estimated at approximately 4.52 litres (1 gallon). The additional cost estimated to be £3.90 per week.

a) The junction already has a pair of warning signs and `SLOW' marking on each approach. The signs and markings are in good condition and visibility is adequate. Fontley Road is currently de-restricted and a 40 mph speed limit became effective from 26 February 2007 prior to the closure.

The reduction in the speed limit and the road closure will reduce the volume of vehicles using this junction and contribute towards safety.

b) Following a physical closure in Springles Lane there will be less conflict with oncoming traffic. The reduction of traffic in the lane will contribute to the overall time saved to the majority of residents who drive in the lane and will contribute towards their feeling of safety. The reduction of traffic using the junction of Fontley Road and Springles Lane will also reduce traffic queueing and contribute in journey time savings.

The location of the closure is mid point in Springles Lane and is the only location suitable.