To discuss the traffic situation especially 'rat running' and the constant disruption by travellers diverting off the A303 -including lorries; and to co-ordinate community concerns on this matter for relaying to relevant authorities.
Minutes:
Cllr John Smale, Chairman of Amesbury Area Board introduced the item and explained the purpose was to hear the views of the local people and to find out how they were feeling. He highlighted the need to collate evidence to pass to government.
Cllr Fleur de-Rhé Philipe, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport then spoke, noting that the problem with the A303 had been worse than in previous years. She explained that the new visitor’s centre at Stonehenge had been supported, the stopping of the A344 had been the subject of an individual enquiry at which Wiltshire Council had made no objection and noted that the traffic situation had been worse this summer in part to the clement weather and increased visitor number at Stonehenge.
Cllr de-Rhé Philipe acknowledged that there were specific problems that needed addressing, one being the lane markings at the roundabout that were not working. She expressed regret that Byway 12 was not closed, noting the immediate need for a traffic order and recognised the need for Wiltshire Council and the Highways Agency to work together to achieve this.
Attention was drawn to the Highways Agency root base strategy and the need for making the A303 a dual carriageway was a high priority that had been discussed at a stakeholder meeting which had taken place that afternoon. The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Wiltshire Council (WC), Somerset, Devon and Dorset were working together on a business case for the dualling of the road. The Board was also informed that the Government had agreed to a feasibility study on providing a tunnel at Stonehenge, and The Highways Agency were identifying problem roads to invest money in after 2015. The damage to the economy was acknowledged.
Cllr de-Rhé Philipe concluded by explaining although there were no short term solutions, all effort would be used to work towards one and she encouraged everyone to place their comments on the group website where possible, or to contact their parish clerk if they did not have access to technology.
Cllr Smale then invited comments from the floor, giving members and officers a chance to respond when appropriate. The following points were raised:
· Countess roundabout – the 3rd lane E/W was signed as straight on, causing near collisions
Graeme Hay, Head of Service – Highway and Network Management, agreed to look at the tyre marks seen when driving from Shrewton and explained that layouts were subject to review such as a change in driver use.
· Longbarrow roundabout – the kerb was impossible to follow, you cannot stay in lane and the entrance was not sensible
This view was shared by the HA and Graeme Hay confirmed the roundabout would be reviewed
· Airmans Cross – the entrance was on a kink, poor cambers could cause problems in winter weather (ice/water)
Cllr de-Rhé Philipe noted these comments and would take them back. Graeme Hay explained that the community had been involved with Airmans Cross, and that the camber and alignment are part of the design which goes through a safety assessment and is signed off.
· The Board was reminded that there were approximately 48 objections to the thought of stopping up the A344; however the bulletin referred to only 6. The English Heritage case was based on there being no objections made, however people did want to object.
Cllr de-Rhé Philipe noted that the public enquiry had been run by the Department of Transport and not by WC.
· The effect was felt on a day-to-day basis, and affected commerce throughout the region. It needed to be approached locally, regionally and nationally, with engagement in a thoughtful and compelling way.
· There were vehicles breaching the weight limit on the Shrewton – Larkhill road
· The roundabouts have done nothing to alleviate traffic either E/W or N/S – when the traffic builds up it goes straight across the roundabout, where there is no box, and meant the N/S traffic cannot cross.
Cllr Smale asked for the HA to review the roundabouts and the possibility of adding yellow lines
· It had been shown that traffic slows to take pictures of Stonehenge – is there a possibility of screening it through landscaping
· The villages have seen a huge increase in the number of cars – people are getting into the habit of using the roads as rat runs – is there a possibility of having an electronic information point on the A303 between Andover and solstice park to advise on traffic situation?
· Consideration needed to be given to the MOD factor – rebasing would increase traffic
· Neighbourhood planning – how can parish councils understand the operation requirement in the short term? e.g. relating to the neighbourhood plan 2015/16. There is a need to co-ordinate more effectively, with concerns over more legal instructions coming to bear and where decisions are made in the future regarding localism. The consequences are more accidents / incidents where there are problems in the planning process. It is hard to get planning factors. What guidance are officers working to? Please can there be close and local engagement
· Bustard Cross Road - needs to be reprioritised so traffic from Larkhill and the east is turned down the A360 – roundabout or redesign needed
· There is a 2 ton limit coming into Shrewton Village – most cars are modern or residents are coming down London Road – a 3.5 ton limit was suggested
· Villages are facing increased safety hazards e.g. coaches / articulated lorries and want realistic short term measures.
· Can the A344 be reopened? There is a case to be made
· Shrewton High Street is a major concern – there is a fear for children’s safety with the speed and density of traffic
· Through traffic is being held up by traffic turning into Stonehenge car park
· Increased traffic and side roads becoming clogged with both light and heavy vehicles turning off the A303 as seen in Steeple Langford
· Has the possibility of ‘cutting down’ as seen in Switzerland been talked about? It would be cheaper and faster
· The A303 needs moved in Winterbourne Stoke – for the first time traffic is queuing going east – the only change is the Longbarrow roundabout
· Short term solutions are needed to make the road through Shrewton less attractive to the A303 – possible use of planters / fences and a 20mph speed limit?
· How can you quantify the business case for the dualling of the A303? EH will have no interest.
Cllr de-Rhé Philipe confirmed the government is looking at road improvements. She stated the A344 would not reopen and it was better to drive the importance of the A303.
· Concerns were raised over the possible increase in traffic when the new visitors centre was open and it was asked whether there was a possibility of taking the Stonehenge traffic away from the A303.
· WC needs to tell SatNav companies that the A344 is closed.
Graeme Hay noted that the evidence pointed to people not updating their satnav’s rather than the companies not being informed.
· Road needs to be access only at Rollestone junction.
Cllr Smale noted the support of the local MP, John Glen, who had to send his apologies for the meeting. He recognised that things would begin to move given the involvement of all: MEP’s, MP’s, Wiltshire Council, the Highways Agency and the economic aspect for the South West. He urged people to submit their comments online – http://amesbury.ourcommunitymatters.org.uk/