Add your comments
News RSS feedNews
22 May 01Reducing haulier traffic on Blandford Road
Concerns raised by Hamworthy residents about the disturbance caused by heavy goods vehicles accessing the port have been eased following discussions by Poole Harbour Commissioners and the Borough of Poole.
At a meeting of the Hamworthy, Harbour and Oakdale Area Committee on 22 March, local residents raised concerns about the noise of empty bulk trucks leaving the port via Blandford Road.
Whilst Blandford Road provides a legal route to the port during the day and is a shorter distance for hauliers from the north, the Harbour Commissioners wrote to all of the companies involved asking for their co-operation in using Poole Bridge/Holes Bay Road for at least some of their journeys, particularly when empty.
As a result responses have been received indicating that drivers will now be using the Poole Bridge/Holes Bay route as much as possible when the bridge is open to traffic.
Ian Roberts, Chief Executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said "Poole Harbour Commissioners has to balance maintaining the commercial viability of the port with lives of local residents. Whilst we have no legal control over hauliers using the public highway we were encouraged by their positive response to our request."
Cllr Lou Knight, Chairman of the Transportation Advisory Group, said: "We all know that the best solution will be when we have the second harbour crossing but what we are seeking here is a situation which will be acceptable to Hamworthy residents in the meantime. I am aware that there is a considerable strength of feeling against port traffic from a number of local people but the reality is we have to work with them if issues like this are going to be addressed."
The hauliers response is due to be discussed at the next Hamworthy, Harbour, and Oakdale Area Committee meeting to be held at The Old Town Community Centre, Lagland Street, at 7.00pm on Thursday 24 May 2001.
Steve Tite, Highways Manager
Directgov