Contact: Gabriela Galbenu, tel 01962 874704

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) 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 heavy commercial vehicles (goods vehicles with an operating weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes) from proceeding on the C183 from the southern end of Aldern Bridge, Newtown (OS Grid Reference E449014 N163739) to its junction with the C171 (OS Grid Reference E448750 N163240).

(ii) That the traffic regulation order referred to in (i) above be implemented before the replacement of Aldern Bridge has been completed and is re-opened to traffic (estimated October 2008).

(iii) That, on implementation of the traffic regulation order referred to in (i) above, the existing 7.5 tonne weight restriction on Aldern Bridge be revoked.

2. Reason

2.1 This proposal to restrict heavy commercial vehicle traffic on the C183 from Aldern Bridge through to Burghclere village will reduce the likelihood of road traffic accidents, prevent damage to the local environment and enhance the quality of life for local residents,as such traffic is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road and adjoining property.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Option 1: do nothing; ie defer the replacement of the existing bridge and thus keep the 7.5 tonne structural weight restriction in place. This option was rejected as the existing structure is in poor condition and there are no practical means of maintaining or strengthening the existing structure. The bridge would therefore need to be further restricted, and ultimately closed to all traffic, to maintain public safety.

3.2 Option 2: replace the bridge and remove the current 7.5 tonne `weak bridge' limit, leaving the C183 available to all traffic. This option was rejected as the C183 is totally unsuitable for heavy commercial vehicles, being narrow and of poor alignment, and passing through residential areas and two schools.

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

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1566Decn/GG