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V27-47 : WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AT OULTON, LOWESTOFT

The report of the Director of Community Services, which was deferred at the last meeting for a site visit to take place, gave details of consultations on and responses to the advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order for Weight Restrictions in Oulton and Lowestoft.

The Director updated members with the latest situation. The site visit had been held on 14 April 1999, when residents of both Oulton Street and Bentley Drive were able to make their concerns clear. Since then, a letter had been received from Suffolk County Council which stated that Phase 5 of the Northern Spine Road had now been included in the five year local transport plan, whereas previously it had just been noted the 15 year structure plan. The County Council had also considered residents' suggestions for a smaller link road to Park Hill, which whilst a possible alternative, had been discounted as ultimately it would have no financial or development reason.

The Director therefore considered that a revision of Option 2, an Experimental Order for an 18 month period with additional warning signs and markings to assist the passage of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Bentley Drive, was the most appropriate course of action. Residents had asked that additional traffic flow statistics, in relation to the pending Corton Sewage Works and new Rugby Club development, be awaited, but it was considered that these issues would have a minimal effect on the situation. The Director also relayed discussions with Birds Eye Walls Ltd. and Salvesons Ltd. regarding HGV movements to the Mobbs Way Cold Store. The companies had no problems with the proposals for Oulton Street, but had stressed they would take issue with any removal of east-west movements in Somerleyton Road.

The Vice-Chairman was fully aware of the issues as ward member for Oulton. He felt the problem should not be viewed as Oulton Street versus Bentley Drive versus local industry, but that an overall package was needed to enhance the whole area, with each of the three issues having a part to play. With this, the residents of Somerleyton Road must accept issues regarding local economy. He proposed that a Panel of three members be appointed to decide final detailed arrangements of a revised Option 2.

Whilst accepting the need for the narrow Oulton Street to be closed to HGVs, members had concerns at the suitability of Bentley Drive and possible adverse cambering. Crash barriers should be considered as an option along with extra signage and markings.

RESOLVED

1. That the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Councillor Bee be appointed to a Working Party to consider the final detailed arrangements of a revision of Option 2 for Weight Restrictions in Oulton, Lowestoft, including the needs of local industry and remedial measures for Bentley Drive, and attendance be authorised as an approved duty.

2. That the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to incorporate the findings of the Working Party and confirm the final version of the Oulton, Lowestoft Weight Restriction Order 1999, previously advertised as Option 2.


Volume 27 Minute 47

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