Dear Mr Halford,
Proposed trial on the A417 at the
Air Balloon roundabout
Given recent media coverage and
local community concerns I felt it was an appropriate time for Gloucestershire
County Council to invite you to fully engage with local people.
As the local highways authority, we remain fully committed to a
longer term scheme that would properly address traffic congestion, the accident
rate and air pollution on this crucial link road. However, given that
this will cost several hundreds of millions of pounds, we do understand why the
Highways Agency is considering the short-term option of a trial and we support
the fact that some positive action is being taken.
The proposed experiment is particularly aimed at alleviating
congestion, which is an economic growth priority for the Local Enterprise
Partnership. We are supportive of a six-month trial taking place so we are able
to understand if there are any positive contributions to the economy through
improved flows, as well as any potential negative impacts on the local road
network and area.
However, before any restrictions are imposed, it is essential that
the Highways Agency is fully engaged with local residents, Parish Councils and
both county and district councillors. People need to be clear on why this trial
is taking place and exactly what it will entail.
We welcome the fact that it is your intention to undertake a full
and proper consultation during the trial. In advance local people need clarity
on what the consultation will entail, how it will be conducted and who you will
be talking to. It is essential that you reassure local people that their views,
as well as those of their representatives, will be taken into account and make
it clear how they can engage with you throughout the trial – especially if the
impact of the trial becomes unacceptable to local communities.
Local people also need to know how the trial will be evaluated,
how they can input into this process and how the decision on whether or not
this could be a permanent solution will be taken.
As local Highways Authority we share some of the concerns of
residents with regards the impact on the local highway network. We will need to
reassure local people that the implementation of the trial will be kept under
review so that appropriate steps can be taken swiftly if local impact becomes
an issue.
I think it would beneficial if the Highways Agency could clarify
these issues for local people as soon as possible.
As you are aware GCC officers are due to meet the Highways Agency
on Thursday 10 January, where I suggest this issue is discussed further.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Riglar
Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure
Gloucestershire County Council
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