Here’s a rather important one I missed. A couple of days ago, top chap Andy Dennis sent me the below photo, of the legal Traffic Prohibition Order posted on site at Pool Lane, Chasewater. You’ll remember that there’s been some ongoing controversy about the formal closure of this road to through traffic, despite the fact that it has been impassible since 2007.
It’s my belief – and that of most park users – that this is an essential step, and that were traffic to be allowed, it would lead to rat-running, antisocial behaviour and provoke huge safety concerns on a road never intended for modern vehicles.
I’d actually not spotted this, and I thank Andy for flagging it up. As he says, I think it’s quite important to also communicate that there are folk who approve of this proposal, as well as objectors.
Andy wrote the following:
Hello Bob
Went to Chasewater today and saw this notice. Will transcribe if you prefer.
Although the notice calls for objections by 12 July, I see no reason why those in favour should not register their support with the same address. My recollection is that Councils are supposed (if not required) to carry out consultations online, but I can’t find anything relevant on the SCC website – even searching for the reference finds nothing.
More generally, I’m happy to transcribe things, especially when you’re busy.
Andy
Andy makes a few good points there – and with his background in local authority planning, he’s well placed to understand the issues.
The offer of transcription services is a very generous one, and one which Andy may well live to regret. Transcription takes me ages, and does hold up some posts. Fortunately I could OCR this one, so it was relatively easy. That’s one very generous offer.
My thanks to Andy, and if you find yourself at a loose end this weekend, why not drop the council a line? There’s still time to get your response in if you’re quick about it.
Official notice proposing the traffic prohibition on Pool Lane, Chasewater. Picture courtesy Andy Dennis.
STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT, 1984
PROPOSED PROHIBITION OF DRIVING ON POOL LANE, BURNTWOOD
1- Staffordshire County Council propose to make a Traffic Order under Section 1(1). 2(1) to (3) and 3(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 which all prevent you from driving any motor vehicle along the following length of road:
Pool Lane, Burntwood — from its junction with Chasewater Country Park Car Park to its junction with A5195 Burntwood Bypass.
2 Exceptions will be made in the Order to allow the entry of vehicles into the road for the maintenance of the road and the supply of gas, electricity, water, telephones and sewerage services; or for any floods defence works or land drainage works or in the service of the Environment Agency, or for pedal cycles; for emergency services vehicles or for vehicles requiring access on or adjacent to the length of road. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
3. This Order Will be called the Staffordshire County Council (Pool Lane, Burntwood) (Prohibition of Driving) Order 20**.
4. Full details of these proposals are in the draft Order which, together with a map showing the road involved and a statement of the County Council’s reasons for proposing to make the Order, may be examined during office hours at the office of the Deputy Chief Executive & Director for place; and during normal opening hours at Bumtwood Library, Sankey’s Corner, Bridgecross Road, Bumtwood.
5. IF YOU WISH TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED ORDER YOU SHOULD SEND THE GROUNDS OF YOUR OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR FOR PLACE, HIGHWAYs, 1 STAFFORDSHIRE PLACE, TIPPING STREET, STAFFORD ST16 2LP NOT LATER THAN 12 JULY 2012 QUOTING REFERENCE HoCPS/TM/TR12/12.
Date: 21 June 2012
John Tridewell, Director of Law and Democracy,
2 Staffordshire Place, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LP.