Archived decisions

Contact: Chris Reeves, ext 5028 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This addendum report considers the details of an objection received from the Northfield Road Residents' Association in response to the statutory consultation on the proposal to introduce a 7.5 tonne restriction in the northern part of the New Forest, and seeks reaffirmation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) previously approved on 16 January 2007.

1.2 As previously reported, the scheme will reduce the number of heavy commercial vehicles on the northern part of the New Forest National Park, with a subsequent reduction of associated noise and pollution giving positive benefits for the well-being of communities situated on the B3078, B3079 and B3080, and for the recreational users of this area of the Forest.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That, taking account of the details of the objection from the Northfield Road Residents' Association in Appendix A to this report, the Executive Member reaffirms the decision to make a Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of the New Forest North heavy goods vehicle restrictions, maintaining the boundary set out in the original proposal.

3. Background

3.1 On 16 January 2007 the Executive Member considered a report on, and approved, the making of a TRO for the introduction of HGV restrictions on the north of the New Forest. The report outlined two objections received following consultation on the draft TRO. Details of the objections were set out in an appendix to the report. However, due to an administrative error details of only one of the objections were included in the appendix. A copy of the full report from January is attached as Appendix B, including the appendix referred to above.

3.2 The objection, whose details were omitted, seeks an extension of the HGV restriction zone to include residential roads north of the A31 and immediately south of the proposed restricted zone. As highlighted in Appendix A, the inclusion of the roads in question would prejudice the effectiveness of the proposed restrictions within the zone. In the light of this it is recommended that the decision to make an order to implement the zone as originally published be reaffirmed. A descriptive plan detailing the extent of the proposed HGV restriction zone in the north of Ringwood is attached.

3.3 It is not anticipated that the introduction of the restrictions will have any negative impact on the residential roads in the area highlighted in the objection. However, it is intended that the levels of HGV movements will be monitored following the introduction of the restriction. Should there be any significant through movement of HGVs observed on Northfield Road and adjacent roads then further measures will be considered.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 The scheme will reduce the number of HGVs on the northern part of the New Forest National Park, with subsequent reduction of associated noise and pollution giving positive benefits to the communities situated on the B3078, B3079 and B3080, as well as the recreational users of this area of the Forest.

4.2 Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race, creed or gender, but to improve the environment for all.

5. Conclusion

5.1 The TRO will prohibit heavy commercial vehicles (ie goods vehicles having a maximum gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes) from proceeding in any road within the zone, except for loading/unloading purposes as reported to the Executive Member for Environment on 16 January 2007.

1487Rpt/CR