12/06/2008

The Freight Quality Partnership (FQP) meeting held on 31^st January 2008 provided a background to explain purpose of the experimental weight restriction - to enforce the use of the strategic highway network by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), rather than using the B3141 through East Huntspill and Woolavington. During this meeting, several queries regarding the scheme were raised.

Responses have now been forwarded to the members of the FQP to answer their initial queries and inform them that the County Council will now proceed with the experimental weight restriction. 

Alongside the progress outlined above, work has continued with Trading Standards to finalise the procedures required by the Parish Council and residents in terms of enforcement, and in-line with other Authorities already undertaking this method of enforcement.

HGV surveys have recently been undertaken on the highway network, in and around the proposed experimental weight restriction, to establish baseline data. A further survey is programmed in the next two months, following the removal of the temporary weight restriction adjacent to Highbridge railway station. 

Following the collection of this data, it is anticipated to implement the experimental weight restriction order.