The public consultation process which was prompted by our successful Surrey e petition (signed by 1,227 residents) was completed at the end of July and we are awaiting the outcome to be confirmed by Surrey Highways. Many of you participated - which is great! Thank you.
This consultation was necessary in order to progress the scheme. Currently the SCC website "What happens next" says "If the decision is to proceed with the experimental restriction, detailed design and implementation will follow as soon as possible, subject to statutory procedures and available funding.
As initially this would be an experimental weight restriction, statutory procedures require that official consultation on this scheme is carried out when the weight restriction signs are installed. This consultation would run for a period of 6 months. During this time objections and comments from the public can be made regarding the restriction.
Once the 6-month period ends, the objections and comments are considered and a decision made on whether to remove the restriction, make changes to the restriction, or make the restriction permanent. Even though the weight restriction would be experimental initially, it is still a legal restriction once the signs are in place.
The official consultation would be carried out once the weight restriction signs are installed and you will be able to object, support or make comments on the experimental weight restriction in the same way that you are providing your current comments, by using this website or in writing".
The restriction will be “except for access” as it will be necessary to allow for genuine access for, e.g., deliveries to premises along these roads. They have separately confirmed to us that “except for access” would not permit vehicles in excess of 18 tons to use this route to get to and from places beyond these roads, Brooklands Business Park for example, as there is an alternative route to and from this destination..
It’s our understanding that an initial temporary restriction will be quicker to put in place than going for a permanent limit from the outset. We will, of course, be keeping a close eye on developments and be pushing for it to be made permanent as soon as realistically possible.
Our grateful thanks go to all of the 1,227 signatories to the petition for their support. Our thanks also to Surrey County Council for taking heed of the local voice and for the support of Surrey Cllr. Tim Oliver, our local MP and others for this restriction.
We will continue to keep close to further developments and will keep you posted.
Councillors Peter Harman & Pippa Graeme
Weybridge & St. George's Independents
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