Decision details

To consider the comments received following the formal advertisement of a proposed “Prohibition of Motor Vehicles except for access to off street premises, from 1st February to 30th April, between 5pm and 5am” on Smallbrook Road, Warminster and to recommend a way forward.

I approve the decision set out in the attached report.

This decision was published on 16 January 2025 and will come into effect on 24 January 2025.

According to the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) “Wiltshire’s critical species project” the Common Toad is important to conserve because it is classed as an “umbrella species” which means their conservation helps protect other species within the ecosystem.  It is listed as one of Wiltshire’s Critical Species.

The “Prohibition of Motor Vehicles except for access to off street premises” Order will also enable the Smallbrook Toad Crossing Patrol to operate in a safer manner, by reducing the amount of traffic during the toad migratory period.

To:

1. Implement the proposals as advertised.

2. Abandon the proposals.

Consultation has been undertaken with:

• The elected Wiltshire Council Members through the statutory TRO consultation process.

• The elected Warminster Town Council through the statutory TRO consultation process

• Members of the Warminster Local Highways & Footways Improvement Group (LHFIG)

• Emergency services through the statutory TRO consultation process

• Members of the public through the statutory TRO consultation process.

The proposed TRO was subject to formal consultation between 4 October 2024 and 28October 2024. During the consultation period a total of 82 items of correspondence were received in response to the Council’s proposals; 73 comments in support, 7 objections and 1 comment related to a general enquiry on the proposal.

A request was raised through the Warminster LHFIG via Smallbrook Toad Crossing Patrol and Warminster Town Council, to investigate the prohibition of motor vehicles on Smallbrook Road.  This is to enable the toad crossing patrol to operate in a safer manner, by reducing the amount of traffic during the toad migratory period, as well as benefitting the toads migrating to their breeding areas.  The requirements to include “Except for access” will accommodate vehicles needing access to off-street premises and the time restriction of “1 February to 30 April between 5pm and 5am” is the likely time period for the toad migration season.