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Terror-proof bollards keep check on lorries

Jo Rostron
16/11/2005

COUNCILLORS approved some radical proposals to reduce HGVs using rat-runs to access the Pilsworth area at Monday's Township meeting.

The results of one of the most comprehensive traffic surveys ever undertaken in the town were before them and revealed the scale of heavy traffic problems in the region with a total of 2,649 lorries counted in 24 hours.

A total of 1,940 used Pilsworth Road to access Junction 3 of the M66, but of particular concern were the 457 cutting down past the Pig and Whistle pub.

This stretch accounted for 18 per cent- or one in five - of those accessing the Pilsworth area and is earmarked for the most extreme measures, which include terrorist-resistant rising bollards.

A weight limit has also been proposed.

A system of signal controlled rising bollards is now on the cards, allowing access for buses and the emergency services which would be fitted with transponders to automatically lower the posts.

Andrew Jackman, the council's network development manager, told the meeting that extensive damage would be caused to any lorries attempting to push through.

He did concede that such a scheme would have a few teething problems as there would not be room for a turning area for wagons who ignore the signs and reach the lorry gate but he said they would expect this to last no more than a few weeks as word gets round.

The estimated cost of the scheme is £76,000 and it may also require the authorisation of the Department for Transport, but councillors expressed their satisfaction with the report's findings.

Also included is the proposal for more high-profile police enforcement of the weight limit on Whittle Lane.

Moss Hall Road would also have a weight limit of 18 tonnes imposed between Heap Street and Brook Cottage.

Councillor Brian Davies stressed the need to consider all parts of the town and 'not pollute one part in order to protect another'. The proposals only include the Pilsworth area and not Green Lane or Tetrosyl which frequently generate complaints.

Hareshill Road lorry gate was the only area councillors did not agree unanimously. Four members disagreed with the proposal to spend £20,000 reconstructing the gate, stating they would prefer to wait until the outcome of a possible appeal before deciding.