Decision details

i)for the making of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order prohibiting goods vehicles in excess of 7.5t between the hours of 07:00-09:30Hrs and 15:00-16:30 Hrs Monday-Friday on Hambleton Grove, Knaresborough;
ii)the Corporate Director - Environment be authorised to make minor changes within the first six months of the ETRO;
iii)in line with the procedure for ETROs, before the expiration of 18 months a further report is brought, in order for a decision to be made on whether to make the Order permanent, amend it or remove it.

The proposals seek to address the longstanding issues of detriment of amenity arising from HGV usage on Hambleton Grove. In discussions during the meeting, safety of vulnerable road users at peak times was also seen to be addressed by this proposal and subsequent recommendation.
An ETRO will allow the restriction to be trialled in a "live" situation for up to 18 months, with the consultation period running alongside the trial for the first six months.
The proposals are supported by the local member for this location.
Measures for Success were presented in the meeting as the following:
•No adverse impact on surrounding streets (such as Stockwell Road / Park Street and Stockwell Lane) and a recognised reduction in idling vehicles impacting Stockwell Road and Stockwell Lane
•Traffic volumes haven’t increased significantly on Hambleton Grove as a result of smaller vehicles being used instead of HGVs
•Amenity has improved during operating hours of the restriction, particularly during school drop off/pick up times (this will be quantified by feedback during the consultation period within the experimental order)
•From the consultation period, an improvement is noted for residential amenity during the time the order is in effect
•To ensure the businesses, care home and residents can operate without significant impact

Given the local interest, officers also presented the options considered at a public meeting for residents on 22 August 2023 , as detailed in the report, as well as Local Members and a representative from Knaresborough Town Council. During this meeting Officers explained the measures considered and outlined the pros and cons of each option. Officers also outlined the planning history for the site and improvements that have been made to the health and safety arrangements within the industrial estate.
Further information regarding alternative options considered and rejected are detailed in Section 6 of the report.