The Director of Technical Services will give a verbal update. Copies of the minute and report to the last meeting are attached.

Further to minute 14 (8/7/2010) the Director of Technical Services reported concerning the progress of his continuing discussions with  Company Chairman and managing Director to explore possible solutions to the problems experienced by local residents relating to the use of this road by articulated vehicles.

Resolved - That the Panel note that the matters raised from this meeting are being progressed.

The Director of Technical Services reported concerning the receipt of a 65 signature petitions requesting the introduction of an articulated vehicle restriction to prevent such vehicles utilising Berwyn Drive and Hillfield Drive, Heswall when gaining access and egress from a local builders merchants situated in Berwyn Drive.

The report outlined the situation regarding deliveries by articulated vehicles to this site, complaints received form nearby residents associated with dangerous vehicular manoeuvres, and damage to property and parked vehicles. It concluded that an articulated vehicle restriction would not normally be introduced without the inclusion of an exemption for deliveries within the road and it would therefore fail to resolve residents’ concerns.

The report further concluded that, in anticipation of unresolved objections following advertisement of such an order, there was not a strong enough case to take the matter to a Public Inquiry. It was therefore recommended that no further action be taken in respect of the petition.

Councillor Bob Wilkins, Ward Councillor, addressed the meeting. He referred to the ongoing costs to the council associated with the problems identified in the report and emphasised the need for measures to control heavy goods vehicles on these residential roads.

Councillor Don McCubbin, Ward Councillor, presented a further 93 signature and individual letters in support of action to address these problems. He submitted photographs taken by residents to illustrate their concerns and also referred to his own observations of the dangerous manoeuvres by heavy goods vehicles which had disrupted the flow of traffic in Pensby Road.

He suggested that the company could assist the situation through the use of smaller vehicles to make deliveries from one of their larger Wirral depots, and cease using heavy goods vehicles at this particular location.  

Resolved – That this matter be deferred for further negotiations with the company and yard owners regarding the points raised by members and the residents.