FEARS that Westbury could be subjected to an increased volume of heavy traffic have been raised as Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) plan to introduce a new weight limit along the A36 in Bath.
An 18 tonne environmental weight restriction will be enforced on the A36 in Bath, meaning that heavy goods vehicles travelling from the north of Bath and the M4 will be unable to continue their journey south out of Bath along the A36.
The alternative route will send heavy goods vehicles out of Bath through Staverton, Trowbridge, Yarnbrook and Westbury, rejoining the A36 outside of Warminster.
Westbury Mayor David Windess said, “The traffic situation in Westbury is already at a serious level and it is only a matter of time before there is an accident, especially at the roundabout at the top of Haynes Road.
“To force even more traffic through Westbury is an absolute joke – we are well overdue for a relief road in Westbury in one form or another. What do these people actually think about when they plan these routes – will it go past their own front doors – I very much doubt it!”
MP Andrew Murrison has questioned the legality of BANES’ actions. “Unilateral action of this sort is questionable given that the A36 is a trunk road and thus the responsibility of the Highways Agency and not BANES. However, I am told [that BANES] have a legal opinion to the contrary. Since public funds will have been expended in obtaining any opinion, it is right that it should be placed in the public domain.”
The new weight limit is to be made for a trial period not extending 18 months, to allow the impact of the weight restriction on alternative routes to be monitored before a decision is taken whether to modify, suspend, or make the order permanent. It is expected that the new weight limit will come into place in the coming weeks.
