Agenda item

Keeping Large Lorries on the Right Road

Minutes:

Having previously declared a personal interest in this item, Councillor Green vacated the Council Chamber whilst the matter was under consideration, and did not take part in the voting thereon.

 

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell

 

This Council supports the initiative taken by the Local Government Association in seeking the use of the most appropriate satellite navigation devices being used in lorries as opposed to those designed for motor cars.

 

Council believes this is necessary to reduce the damage caused to the highway infrastructure arising from vehicles being misdirected to roads that are too narrow or bridges that have weight or height restrictions, aimed at keeping the largest or heaviest vehicles off that route.

 

Council recognises that a number of incidents have taken place in Wirral, involving damage to both railway and road bridges, necessitating expensive repairs and highly visible markings to warn of height restrictions. Whilst these have been few in number, the introduction of better navigation systems could well minimise the possibility of future incidents.

 

Council considers that the cost of the most appropriate devices is not excessive.  Council understands that the road haulage industry considers that good practice and common sense should prevail and lead with the use of the devices that give due warning of height and weight restrictions. However, Council believes that the Local Government Association is right to seek legislation aimed at ensuring and enforcing the use of proper systems, resolves to advise them accordingly and advise Wirral’s Members of Parliament of this opinion.

___________

 

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate the matter, and having been formally moved and seconded, the motion was put to the vote.

 

The motion was put and carried (59:0) (One abstention).

 

RESOLVED – That

 

1)  This Council supports the initiative taken by the Local Government Association in seeking the use of the most appropriate satellite navigation devices being used in lorries as opposed to those designed for motor cars.

 

2)  Council believes this is necessary to reduce the damage caused to the highway infrastructure arising from vehicles being misdirected to roads that are too narrow or bridges that have weight or height restrictions, aimed at keeping the largest or heaviest vehicles off that route.

 

3)  Council recognises that a number of incidents have taken place in Wirral, involving damage to both railway and road bridges, necessitating expensive repairs and highly visible markings to warn of height restrictions. Whilst these have been few in number, the introduction of better navigation systems could well minimise the possibility of future incidents.

 

4)  Council considers that the cost of the most appropriate devices is not excessive.  Council understands that the road haulage industry considers that good practice and common sense should prevail and lead with the use of the devices that give due warning of height and weight restrictions. However, Council believes that the Local Government Association is right to seek legislation aimed at ensuring and enforcing the use of proper systems, resolves to advise them accordingly and advise Wirral’s Members of Parliament of this opinion.

 

 

Councillor Jeff Green returned to the Council Chamber.