Hook & Winchfield - Permanent TRO 3+ wheels

[stevent]

You may have seen on here or heard me talk at club night about various temporary closures that Hampshire County Council have applied (https://surreytrf.gigatech.co.uk/viewto ... f=14&t=639)

HCC are now making a permanent Traffic Regulation Order on one of these - "Hook Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No.14" which is this route: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=47 ... &A=Y&Z=120

Crucially however the permanent closure is for motor vehicles with three or more vehicles only, so that means motorcycles will be able to continue to use the route subject the the lifting of the temporary closure.

This is good news as some of us were becoming increasingly concerned that there may have been permanent closure on the way prohibiting motorcycles, but in this instance that does not appear to be the case. Fingers crossed this means HCCs approach to distinguish 4x4s from motorcycles and responsible from irresponsible continues.

My thinking on our formal response is that we (i.e. our South London and Surrey TRF) offer no view on the proposed order as it stands as it does not affect trail bikes; and we indicate we are pleased that in due course, motorcycles will be permitted to use the route. If anyone thinks we should either support or object to the closure then speak up. You can also make personal representations if you want to. Deadline is 18 April.

Here is the email we've had.

From: "Notices, Rights of Way" <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Proposed Traffic Regulation Order on Hook Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No.14
Date: 7 March 2014 16:25:29 GMT

Dear All,

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order on Hook Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No.14

Hampshire County Council has received a request to make a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) under section 1 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 on Hook BOAT No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No.14. A large scale plan is attached showing the affected route.

This request has been considered in line with Hampshire County Council’s policy on Traffic Regulation Orders, which can be viewed on our website at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/row/vehicles-row.htm

Background

The surface conditions on these two byways (BOATs) have been badly damaged primarily by vehicle use, especially in wet weather conditions. They have become virtually impassable (on foot, bike and horse as well as in a vehicle) at certain times of the year. Even in the most difficult conditions, some 4x4 vehicle users have continued to drive along them, causing even more damage.

The damage may be exacerbated because the route from A30 along Hook BOAT No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No. 14 is effectively a ‘dead end’ for vehicles as it leads to Old Potbridge Road, which has a TRO prohibiting access using any motor vehicle having three or more wheels (unless associated with premises on that section of Old Potbridge Road), therefore all vehicles using Hook BOAT No.1 and Winchfield BOAT No. 14 have no option but to return the way they came.

On some occasions the landowner has reported fences and gates being removed in order for vehicles to turn around or by 'rescue' vehicles winching stranded 4x4 vehicles out of the worst sections. This has sometimes left livestock unsecured and also caused damage to trees. It appears that walkers have also damaged fences by climbing over as they try to avoid the worst sections.

Since November 1st 2013 these routes have been under temporary closure owing to the significant surface damage that had occurred. Repairs are planned for the near future should the TRO come into force, so all permitted users will have a suitably surfaced route.

Proposal

It is proposed that a permanent TRO is made prohibiting use by any motor vehicle having three or more wheels, under s1(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for preventing damage to the road.

Your views on this proposal are welcome. If you have any comments that you would like Hampshire County Council to take into consideration, I would be grateful if you could respond in writing to [email protected] or the address below byFriday 18th April 2014. Following this consultation a report will be considered by the Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, who will make the formal decision on how to proceed with this proposal based on the evidence presented.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Many thanks,

Countryside Access Development Officer
Countryside Access Team, Countryside Service,
Hampshire County Council, Castle Avenue, Winchester, SO23 8UL
Tel: 01962 832352 Email: [email protected]
www.hants.gov.uk/countryside
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[Dave]

Personal view:
Unlucky for all sidecars users :/
Also slightly cynical that once all 4x4 users are banned they will be looking for the next target. But will cross that bridge when we come to it.