REBECCA GOUGH
23 May 2008 08:36
Controversial plans to allow HGV lorries to use a bus and cycle lane in Norwich have been given the green light. Despite a 500-name petition against the project, a trial scheme to allow 40 tonne HGVs to use the lane on Newmarket Road for 12 months was given the go ahead at a meeting of the Norwich Highways Agency Committee.
Four members of the 10-man committee were eligible to vote on the matter, and although two voted in favour and two against, committee chairman Tony Adams used his casting vote to approve the scheme.
The HGVs will now travel from the freight consolidation centre on the A11, down Newmarket Road and travel through Castle Meadow and Red Lion Street.
But critics of the plan said today it would put cyclists' lives in danger as they will have to share road space with lorries travelling at 40mph.
Rupert Read, a member of the committee who voted against the scheme, said: "I'm very strongly moved by the arguments of the cyclists on this matter. I'm concerned it may result in more freight on the roads. It may be an incentive for people to move more freight into the city which they otherwise would not be moving at all." ... (read more)
23 May 2008 08:36
Controversial plans to allow HGV lorries to use a bus and cycle lane in Norwich have been given the green light. Despite a 500-name petition against the project, a trial scheme to allow 40 tonne HGVs to use the lane on Newmarket Road for 12 months was given the go ahead at a meeting of the Norwich Highways Agency Committee.
Four members of the 10-man committee were eligible to vote on the matter, and although two voted in favour and two against, committee chairman Tony Adams used his casting vote to approve the scheme.
The HGVs will now travel from the freight consolidation centre on the A11, down Newmarket Road and travel through Castle Meadow and Red Lion Street.
But critics of the plan said today it would put cyclists' lives in danger as they will have to share road space with lorries travelling at 40mph.
Rupert Read, a member of the committee who voted against the scheme, said: "I'm very strongly moved by the arguments of the cyclists on this matter. I'm concerned it may result in more freight on the roads. It may be an incentive for people to move more freight into the city which they otherwise would not be moving at all." ... (read more)
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