| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Clarification | |
| Posted by: | Vanessa Smith | |
| Date/Time: | 22/01/14 19:42:00 |
| Just received from Cllr. Mayne. I support your point of view but unfortunately I do not think it will be possible to change these because the restrictions relate to structural issues rather than traffic flow. Regarding Church Street specifically, the weight restriction was placed on the bridge following concerns about its structural integrity. Hounslow Highways, who manage the public highway in the borough on behalf of Hounslow Council (with the exception of the handful of roads that are managed by Transport for London (TfL), have recently done a routine re-assessment of the bridge's structural integrity and have concluded that the weight restriction is no longer required. As the original reason for the introduction of the weight restriction is no longer valid the Council is under a legal obligation to remove it and revoke the traffic management order. The published public notice states "The general effect of the Order would be to revoke the 18 tonne weight restriction from the bridges in Church Street and Talbot Road, Isleworth. Recent structural assessments confirm that the weight restrictions are not required". The revocation of the weight restriction should not increase the number of goods vehicles using Church Street as the width restriction remains in place, and being a physical barrier is far more effective than any weight restriction that relies solely on driver compliance. There are already advance warning signs for the width restriction so the removal of the weight restriction should not create any additional issues for drivers of heavy vehicles having to turn around prior to the width restriction. Furthermore the Council has been in negotiations with residents of Church Street regarding the trial of a priority give way system which should further reduce traffic flow if residents there choose to accept it. As I understand it the legal precedent is that the Council must remove a weight restriction if it is no longer required as public highway is for all vehicles if there are no structural issues to prevent certain types of vehicle using it. I will however try to find another reason to keep the weight restrictions in place. Hope this is helpful. |