Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

Final report | November 2016

This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party.

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Ove Arup & Partners Ltd The Arup Campus Blythe Gate Blythe Valley Park Solihull B90 8AE www.arup.com County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

Contents

Page

1 Introduction 1

2 Legislative and best practice context 2

3 Consultation approach 3 3.1 Stakeholder identification 3 3.2 Consultation materials 3 3.3 Extension of the consultation period 4

4 Consultation outcomes 5 4.1 Question 1: What is your view on the proposed 7.5T ban? 5 4.2 Question 2: are the monitoring locations appropriate? 7 4.3 Question 3: Please provide any other comments below 9

5 Feedback on the comments provided 12

6 Conclusions and next steps 16

Appendix A Stakeholders

Appendix B Consultation Materials

Appendix C Duplicate responses

Appendix D Location of responses to Q1

Appendix E Final Scheme

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

1 Introduction

The new A5-M1 link road (Dunstable Northern Bypass) provides an opportunity to address longstanding concerns voiced by residents of the villages living along the A4146 between and Leighton Buzzard about heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the road. Highways ’s work to build the A5-M1 link is almost complete. The road will link the A5 with a new junction (11A) on the M1. It will provide a quicker route for strategic traffic between Hemel Hempstead and Leighton Buzzard and beyond; and will remove the need for this traffic to use the A4146. Effectively, Water End will be bypassed. Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC) highways department is working with Central Bedfordshire Council and County Council on two cross-border changes affecting the A4146 Leighton Buzzard Road. This concerns the section of the A4146 between Galley Hill/A4147) roundabout in Hemel Hempstead and the A505 roundabout just south of Leighton Buzzard. Traffic surveys indicate that currently over 300 HGVs drive through Water End between 7am and 7pm on weekdays. The bridge at Water End is a listed structure, and has been damaged a number of times. It is thought the damage is caused by HGVs. For a long time residents have wanted to reduce the environmental impact of HGVs in Water End and neighbouring villages. HCC has identified Water End as an appropriate location for a ban which precludes HGVs from crossing the bridge on the A4146. This ban is the preferred solution in terms of outcomes and enforceability. In advance of making a formal request for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), public consultation has been undertaken to feed into the refinement of the final scheme. To further complement the A5-M1 link as the most suitable route for HGVs it is also proposed that the A4146 should be reclassified to a ‘B’ road (B440). Furthermore there could be three zonal HGV bans in Central Bedfordshire. These complementary changes do not form part of this consultation. This report sets out the outcomes of the consultation. This represents the views from all of the comments submitted online through the consultation portal, via post or via email. Responses received after the closure of the consultation period have also been included where possible.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

2 Legislative and best practice context

Procedures to be adopted by local authorities for making TROs is set out in the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/2489) as amended. Opportunities for the public and key stakeholders to make objections is part of the making of any order, however general public consultation is not. Local authorities are expected to apply a ‘test of reasonableness’ as to who they decide to consult out of the following: • other authorities; • town or parish and district councils; • bus operators; • the Chief Officer of the appropriate NHS trust; • the Chief Officer of the fire authority; • other organisation or individuals likely to affected by any provision in the order; and • the Freight Transport Association and/or the Road Haulage Association. In addition, it is HCC practice to undertake informal public consultation in advance of formal TRO procedures for larger scale projects. The new Local Authorities Traffic Orders Regulations 2012 state that there is a requirement to inform those individuals and organisations likely to be affected in a way which is most appropriate in the circumstances. The approach to consultation is set out in Chapter 3. Best practice states that consultation should follow the Gunning Principles, namely that: • consultation should occur when proposals are at a formative stage; • consultations should give sufficient time for any proposals to permit intelligent consideration; • consultations should allow adequate time for consideration and response; and • the product of consultation must be conscientiously taken into account. Ensuring that informal consultation takes place in advance of any work on a formal TRO process ensures that consultation is undertaken at a formative stage. The information provided (consultation leaflet and FAQs) provide information on why the scheme is thought to be needed, and the process for decision making. Responses received have been reviewed in detail and analysed to identify recurring and similar comments. A full assessment of the comments received and an account of how the scheme has responded are set out in Chapter 4 and 5.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

3 Consultation approach

3.1 Stakeholder identification An initial study was undertaken to understand the potential sphere of influence of a HGV ban at Water End. This identified potential alternative routes for traffic between Leighton Buzzard and Hemel Hempstead. Road, and the sections of Hudnall Lane, Pipers Hill and Ringshall Road which connect Nettleden Road to the A4146 were identified as the most vulnerable alternative routes. The other potential routes were discounted due to increased journey times, or existing and proposed measures that are likely to discourage HGVs from travelling along roads. Addresses along these routes and the A4146 were identified from Ordnance Survey data, covering addresses in both Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Central Bedfordshire. A total of 374 addresses were identified. Appendix A includes a plan showing the parishes and addresses identified through this exercise, and a list of the stakeholder organisations contacted. A draft of this plan was shared with the local County Councillors for Hemel Hempstead North and Bridgewater to ensure they agreed this consultation area was appropriate. Groups and representatives who may have an interest in the scheme were also identified. These included representatives from the Road Haulage Association, Highways England, the emergency services, road user and right of way groups, public transport operators and local authority officers for travel and schools. Political representatives were also identified, including HCC local members, district council local members, and parish council clerks. A list of the groups and representatives is provided at Appendix A.

3.2 Consultation materials Consultation materials were distributed via post to the 374 stakeholder addresses identified. Materials are described below. • A consultation leaflet – this provided background to the proposals, a plan showing the extent of the proposed ban area, locations of proposed signs and proposed traffic count monitoring sites, a predicted timeline for the project and ways to share feedback including links to the consultation website. • A feedback form – asked for views on the scheme as a whole, and the monitoring locations in particular, and requesting any other comments about the proposals. • A factsheet – gave more information on the background and development of the scheme in terms of wider improvements linked to the A5-M1 link road. It also provided wider information in the format of frequently asked questions. Copies of these materials are included within Appendix B.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

These materials were uploaded to a project consultation web page within the Transport and Highways Consultations area of the HCC website. A link to this web page was sent by email to the groups and representatives on the first day of the consultation period. The message accompanying the information asked for it to be shared as they felt appropriate.

3.3 Extension of the consultation period The consultation period was originally planned to last three weeks, running from the 12 September to 2 October 2016. During the consultation period, Parish Council raised concerns that some residents of Little Gaddesden had not received consultation materials through the post, and so had not been advised of the consultation in adequate time to formulate views within the three-week period. These concerns about some members of the parish not receiving information were also raised with the local Councillor for Little Gaddesden. Little Gaddesden Parish Council highlighted the consultation at their September 2016 parish meeting. To ensure that all interested parties were able to make representations the consultation period was extended by one week, until 9 October 2016. Consultation responses received early in the period were reviewed, and a high number of responses had been received from residents of Little Gaddesden. It was therefore deemed that additional materials did not need to be sent out, as the response rate far exceeded the expected number of responses. A commitment was made to discuss the proposals with the parish council once the formal consultation period was closed. Residents will get another chance to comment as part of the formal TRO process.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

4 Consultation outcomes

In total 811 online response forms and 84 paper response forms were received. In addition, 18 emails and 11 letters were received. These did not fit the format of the response form, but all comments were included in the same way as a response to question 3. In total, 895 responses were received. This is considered an extremely high response rate for this type of consultation, indicating a high level of interest in traffic issues in the area. Of the 811 online responses, 325 responses came from five Internet Protocol (IP) addresses which submitted in excess of eight responses each (one submitting 235 identical responses). These responses were generally submitted within short spaces of time, and answered only question 1 and 2, with no comments on question 3, or respondent details given. As such these 325 responses have been treated as only five responses as they appear to be duplicate responses. A number of others submitted identical responses online more than once. These have also been counted as just one entry per duplicate set. Graphs illustrating the results to questions 1 and two including duplicates are included in Appendix C. The analysis within this chapter excludes all duplicate responses. This section sets out an analysis of responses only. For a description of how the scheme has responded to each point see Chapter 5.

4.1 Question 1: What is your view on the proposed 7.5T ban? This question gave five discrete options: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, or strongly disagree. This question gathered an overwhelmingly positive response. In total 463 responses (86.2%) were received which stated that they ‘strongly agree’ with the proposals. Only 8.9% of responses received were negative, with 8 people stating that they disagree and a further 40 people stating that they strongly disagree. All of the responses to question one are shown in Figure 1.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

Figure 1: Response to Question 1: 'What is your view on the proposed 7.5t ban?'

When the responses were analysed geographically, there are clear patterns. Figure 2 illustrates this geographical distribution in responses to question one, focussing on the area closest to the proposed changes where the highest concentration of respondents are located. A formal plan of this image is included in Appendix D. The plan shows that the majority of neutral or negative responses are linked to specific locations, namely Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall. Responses from Water End, , Dagnall and Eddlesborough were exclusively ‘strongly agree’. This plan also illustrates that a high number of responses received from residents of Little Gaddesden. Concerns were highlighted by the parish council and local Member that residents of Little Gaddesden were not adequately aware of the consultation process, however this plan shows a strong response from the settlement.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

Figure 2: Location of responses to Q1: What is your view on the proposed scheme?

The size of the circles represents the total number of responses per postcode, ranging from 1 to a maximum of 20 responses. The pie charts represent the make- up of responses at a given postcode. This figure focuses only on the area that responses were received from most frequently, and does not show every response received.

4.2 Question 2: are the monitoring locations appropriate? The majority of responses to this question were ‘yes’ (81.1%). Only a small proportion answered ‘no’.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

Figure 2: Responses to question 2: ‘Are the monitoring locations appropriate?’

A number of new locations were proposed, as well as a number of suggestions to move existing monitoring locations to other points along the same roads. Suggested alternative locations are: • on A4146 in Edlesborough, Northall, Billington • B4506 in Dagnall, between the roundabout and Deer Leap • edge of Dagnall village and at Fourways cross roads • junction between Nettcrow Road and Ringshall Road • Little Gaddesden Green • Nettleden Village/ traffic calming area • Beacon / Beacon Road • Hilliers Garden Centre • Cromer Close • Hudnall Common Village shop • Water End • Ringshall junction with Hudnall Lane • Studham/ Kensworth at the Hudnall cross roads • Gravel Path • Pipers Hill • Galley Hill • Crossroads between Whipsnade and Ashridge • NMJ Motor House • the A4146 on the north side of Hudnall Lane • intersection of St Margaret’s Lane and Pipers Lane at Pipers Hill • Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden • junction between Nettleden Road and Ringshall Road • entrance to Ashridge Park • from Larges Mill to Nettleden

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

• junction with Red Lion Lane

4.3 Question 3: Please provide any other comments below

Existing conditions of the area A large proportion of the comments received focused on existing problems with HGVs in the area. The most common comments in relation to this were that there were too many HGVs on these roads, and a wide range of anecdotal evidence of the damage that the HGVs are doing to the local road network (115 comments). The existing nature of the area, and in particular the characteristics of the road network were common comments made, 89 in total. These comments particularly highlighted the narrowness of many of the roads, mentioning pinch points where the roads around the A4146 do not allow two vehicles to pass easily. These comments were often linked to concerns that traffic would reroute onto the rural roads surrounding the A4146 should a ban be put in place at Water End bridge. Concerns about damage being done by HGVs on the existing roads were stated, with a few respondents including pictures of damage with their response. Damage to kerbs, the Water End Bridge, the road surface (pot holes), overhanging trees, and listed buildings adjacent to the existing A4146 were all highlighted. There were also references to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (8 comments). These were also linked to concerns that traffic would reroute onto the rural roads surrounding the A4146 should a ban be put in place at Water End bridge. The speed of HGVs currently using the local road network was highlighted repeatedly (44 comments). This type of response was often accompanied with concerns about safety of other road users (125 comments1) and pedestrians and cyclists in particular (58 comments2). Noise and vibration impacts at homes along the A4146 were also highlighted (21 comments), particularly in relation to the shallow foundations of many of the listed properties in Water End.

Concerns about moving the problem elsewhere A high number of respondents highlighted concerns about HGVs rerouting along other local roads. The most common location highlighted in these instances were Little Gaddesden (55 comments) and Nettleden (65 comments), however Hudnall (24 comments) and a number of other areas (33 comments) were also mentioned.

1 Many of these responses were in relation to concerns about the safety implications of the problem moving elsewhere, therefore are quoted in the ‘Concerns about moving the problem elsewhere’ section also. 2 Many of these responses were in relation to concerns about the safety implications of the problem moving elsewhere, therefore are quoted in the ‘Concerns about moving the problem elsewhere’ section also.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

A further 17 comments highlighted general concerns about HGVs rerouting, but did not mention a specific location. Concerns around these impacts were the only reasons highlighted for opposing the proposed scheme. These comments were often accompanied by worries about safety (125 comments) or impacts on pedestrians (58 comments). Concerns about impacts on the Chilterns cycling route in Little Gaddesden were commonly highlighted, as well as impacts on children walking to school.

Other suggested measures A small number of respondents mentioned the need for a wider ban area or a zonal ban in particular (33 comments), with others highlighting the need for HGV bans in other areas. Wider bans generally suggested the area between Dagnall and Hemel Hempstead, however a few respondents suggested that all of the bans in Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire should be combined. A few respondents suggested additional point bans in Little Gaddesden, or at the junction between Hudnall Lane and Leighton Buzzard Road. Questions around enforcement of any scheme were also highlighted by a small number of people (12 comments), particularly highlighting concerns that rural policing budgets would be too stretched to effectively enforce a ban. The need for different or more signs warning HGVs of the oncoming ban were highlighted by a small number of people (12 comments), and a few people continued the discussion on monitoring locations into this question. A number of people highlighted other measures they would like to see on the local road network (33 comments) including: • ‘not suitable for HGV’ signs (rather than a formal ban), • speed cameras or reduced speeds, • traffic calming measures, • facilities for HGVs to turn, and • traffic lights at Water End bridge. A number of people commented that they supported the downgrading of the road to a ‘B’ road.

Other comments Generally supportive comments were made by many respondents to the consultation (80 comments). These included comments such as: • ‘I agree with the ban’; • ‘This would be a fantastic improvement for us in Dagnall’;

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• ‘The lorries and the heavy traffic in general really spoil our village so we would be delighted if the weight restriction was enforced;’ • ‘I strongly support the ban and downgrading to a B road and would support further speed restrictions as well’; and • ‘Enhancing the way of life and safety of residents and drivers along that part of the Leighton Buzzard Road is of paramount importance and long overdue.’ There were also some comments about the consultation and decision making process. Sixteen comments were received stating that more information was needed in relation to the wider changes to the road network in the area to be able to have a clearer understanding of impacts of the scheme. In particular these requested information on the expected opening date for the A5-M1 link road, and how that would tie in with the ban being operational. Comparisons were also made to the zonal bans proposed in Central Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire and more information about the links to those schemes was also requested. A number of comments were made about the consultation process itself (22 comments). The majority of these highlighted that they had not directly received the consultation materials, or that they had almost missed them, mistaking them for ‘junk mail’ as they were delivered in plain white envelopes. A couple of people highlighted issues they had with accessing the information online.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

5 Feedback on the comments provided

A description of how the outcomes of the consultation have fed into the final proposals are set out below. They use the same headings used in Chapter 4.

Existing conditions of the area Traffic counts indicate that a little over 300 HGVs use the A4146 on a daily basis. It is thought that HGVs are responsible for much of the damage to the parapet walls to the bridge in Water End. Therefore one of the consequential benefits of the proposed scheme is reduced highway maintenance costs. Traffic counts will continue on A4146 and there are further survey points to monitor the number of HGVs on other local roads before and after the introduction of the proposed scheme. All issues with the maintenance of roads in Hertfordshire should be reported via www.hertsdirect.org/faultreporting/ or Hertfordshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4047. Reports, along with routine inspection data, are used to develop on-going maintenance programmes such as the Integrated Works Programme, which lists our planned major road works. AONB designation seeks to protect and enhance important landscapes. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, paragraph 115) states that “great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty” in protected areas including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The scheme is not expected to have any impact on the wider value of the AONB. The enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for the Police. To report a speeding offence, the non-emergency Police telephone number 101 should be called. The speed camera strategy for the area is the responsibility of the Hertfordshire Road safety Partnership which involves the police and the local authorities. There are safety cameras on the A4146, within the 40mph section on both sides of Water End In addition to the cameras there are also two Speed Indicator Devices on the approaches to Water End For a long time residents have wanted to reduce the environmental impact of HGVs in Water End and neighbouring villages. The aim of the scheme is to reduce environmental impacts at Water End, including noise and vibration from HGVs.

Concerns about moving the problem elsewhere Through traffic is expected to use the M1 and the A5-M1 link, as these roads provide quicker journey times, by avoiding the centre of Hemel Hempstead.

In terms of a zonal ban, an initial feasibility study was undertaken which identified a few options, one of which was a zone. There already exists three zones in the area; , Hemel northwest and the ‘’ zone (which

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

stretches from Luton to , and from Friars Wash to Wheathamstead). In addition Central Bedfordshire Council is proposing a zone which commences on the county boundary. Zonal bans offer a different kind of ban. Within a zonal ban HGV movements within the zone are permissible. The prohibited movement is driving through, without stopping to gain access, therefore the larger the zone the more HGV movements are allowed within it. The introduction of a zone was discounted for the following reasons: • the potential to merge with other zones, making more movements permissible, and therefore not being as effective at stopping HGVs from diving through defined areas; • concerns about enforceability of a zonal ban by the police - big zones make enforcement onerous; • impacts on access for addresses just outside of ban zones; • difficulty conveying the termination of the zone, which cannot be described on the approach signs; and • the problem on the A4146 is limited in area (just at Water End), so wider bans could be seen as excessive. Comments highlighting concerns about additional impacts on surrounding roads were taken seriously, and options to provide additional bans have been considered. Although the number of re-routing HGVs is likely to be low, and possibly only for a short period, it is accepted that as Nettleden Road is parallel to the A4146 it provides an opportunity for HGV drivers to bypass the prohibition at Water End. As such an amendment to the scheme is proposed to provide an additional 7.5T weight limit for Nettleden Road and Hudnall Lane, as shown on the plan in Appendix E.

Other suggested measures Enforcement is the responsibility of police. A response to the consultation was received from the Traffic Management Unit confirming that the police support the weight limit in principle, and no concerns were raised by the police around enforcement. The Police had previously indicated that any measure should be self-enforcing. To ensure the point ban is complied with a signing strategy to reduce the number of errant HGV drivers getting close to the ban area is included as part of the scheme. These signs should reduce the need for enforcement. The strategy includes: • prohibition signs at either end of the ban area; • advance direction signs which contain prohibition signs within them, including a map showing where the ban would be; • signs stating there is a 7.5T prohibition at Water End; and

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

• directional signs within Hemel Hempstead highlighting an alternative route for HGVs, guiding them to M1. The suggestions for extra or alternative survey positions within Hertfordshire will be considered. In principle, only one survey position per road is thought to be adequate, regardless of its length. The aims of these surveys are to see if HGVs have re-routed to other local roads as a result of the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme was designed to reduce the impact of HGVs on the villages of Water End, Dagnall, Edlesborough, Northall and Billington by introducing measures to encourage use of the M1 and the A5-M1 link road as the most appropriate route for all through traffic travelling between Hemel Hempstead and Leighton Buzzard, especially HGVs. Two measures are proposed a 7.5T weight limit in Water End and a road re-classification from Hemel Hempstead to Leighton Buzzard. The scheme does not extend to other measures or address other issues. Should residual issues arise, they will be considered for funding using the discretionary Highway Locality Budget.

Other comments A number of comments were received about the need for information on how this scheme fitted into the wider picture of changes proposed. Over a period of about 18 months Hertfordshire County Council has been working closely with Central Bedfordshire Council and Buckinghamshire County Council on five inter- connected projects listed below. • A5-M1 Link (Dunstable northern bypass) • De-trunking of the A5 • Proposal by CBC for 7.5T weight limit in Central Beds • Reclassification of A4146 from the A4147 to the A505 (becoming the B440) • Proposal for 7.5T weight limit for A4146 at Water End Meetings have been attended by representatives of each Council and all have input into each of the projects. The opportunity for these projects was provided by the construction of the A5-M1 Link. Without this road it is very unlikely that any of the other projects would have been possible. The A5-M1 Link is due to open in spring 2017. The other projects are timed to either, coincide with this opening, or as soon as possible afterwards. High level information about these schemes was included within the FAQs that accompanied the public consultation leaflet. This also included a link to the CBC and HE web pages for their schemes. In terms of the comments about the consultation process itself, the response received was much higher than expected, showing high levels of engagement. In particular a high number of responses had been received from residents of Little Gaddesden, where the majority of these comments focused on. The addresses

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

identified were carefully considered as set out in chapter 3.1 of this report. Some respondents highlighted that they had thought the consultation materials to be junk mail, and therefore almost missed them. To ensure that this does not happen for the materials related to the formal TRO consultation materials, envelopes will be printed to clearly indicate that they contain consultation materials. Every effort will be made to ensure web pages are correct and available to the public.

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Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

6 Conclusions and next steps

The number of responses received was very high; far greater than for other similar consultation exercises undertaken recently in Hertfordshire. Support for the scheme as described in the consultation materials was overwhelmingly strong with 463 (86%) of the respondents strongly in favour. It is considered that this is sufficient mandate to proceed to Public Notice for the 7.5T weight limit for A4146 at Water End.

The main concern highlighted about the scheme was that HGVs would re-route via Little Gaddesden and Nettleden. Although the number of re-routing HGVs is likely to be low, and possibly only for a short period, it is accepted that as Nettleden Road is parallel to the A4146, it provides an opportunity for HGV drivers to bypass the prohibition at Water End. As such an amendment to the scheme is proposed to provide an additional 7.5T weight limit for Nettleden Road and Hudnall Lane, as shown on the plan in Appendix E.

There will be a second Public Notice for this amendment. Both notices will appear simultaneously in the press and on posters along both roads in early 2017. Whilst there will still be an opportunity to object to one or both notices, the additional ban responds to comments about the original scheme..

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Appendix A Stakeholders

Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

• Road Haulage Association • Central Beds Council • Buckinghamshire County Council • Borough Council • Highways England • Ambulance Services NHS Trust • Fire Service • Cycle Herts • Sustrans • Cyclist Touring Club • David Gauke MP • Mike Penning MP • Great Gaddesden Parish Council Clerk • Berkhamstead Parish Council Clerk • Parish Council Clerk • Little Gaddesden Parish Council Clerk • Nettleden with Potten End Parish Council Clerk • Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce • Hertfordshire Business Forum • Hertfordshire LEP • Hertfordshire Local Transport Body • Hertfordshire Police • Terry Douris, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead North and Executive Member for Highways • David Lloyd, HCC Member for Bridgewater (Dacorum) and Police and Crime Commissioner • Ian Reay, HCC Member for • Richard Roberts, HCC Member for • William Wyatt-Lowe, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead Town • Anthony McKay, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead South East

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• Andrew Williams, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead East • Colette Wyatt-Lowe, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead North East • Ron Tindall, HCC Member for Hemel Hempstead St Pauls and Dacorum Member for Adeyfield West • Nick Hollinghurst, HCC Member for • Elaine Collins Dacorum Member for Berkhamsted east • Alan Fantham, Dacorum Member for Northchurch • Gbola Adeleke, Dacorum Member for , and • Adam Barnes, Dacorum Member for Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield • Stewart Riddick, Dacorum Member for Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield • Isy Imarni, Dacorum Member for Gadebridge • Roger Taylor , Dacorum Member for Gadebridge • Neil Harden, Dacorum Member for Boxmoor • Janice Marshall, Dacorum Member for Boxmoor • Andrew Williams, Dacorum Member for Boxmoor • Michael Clark, Dacorum Member for Apsley and Corner Hall • Tina Howard, Dacorum Member for Apsley and Corner Hall • Colin Peter, Dacorum Member for Apsley and Corner Hall • Hazel Bassadone, Dacorum Member for Leverstock Green • Margaret Griffiths, Dacorum Member for Leverstock Green • Graham Sutton, Dacorum Member for Leverstock Green • Rosie Sutton, Dacorum Member for Woodhall Farm • Sharon Adshead, Dacorum Member for Adefield West • Stan Mills, Dacorum Member for and Wiggington • HCC Highway Locality • HCC Network • HCC Transport Access and Safety • HCC Rights of Way

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• HCC Bus Stop Closures • HCC Bus Operators • Arriva • Red Rose • HCC Sensory Services • HCC School S&S Journeys • Bletchley Landfill Site

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A3 A B C D E F G H !°

1

Ivinghoe CP Edlesborough CP

2

Pitstone CP Studham CP

3 Little Gaddesden CP

Aldbury CP

Great Gaddesden CP

4

Northchurch CP

Nettleden with Potten End CP

5

Berkhamsted CP

Scale at A3 1:50,000 Kilometers Project Title Drawing Title Legend Stakeholder Address Points 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 Role Specialist Designer - Consultation A4146 Water End HGV ban Consultaion Plan Proposed Water End HGV Ban Suitability FINAL Parishes In Buckinghamshire Arup Job No Rev Parishes In Central Bedfordshire Client 240552-06 P03 Parishes In Hertfordshire The Arup Campus, P03 11-11-16 HS Blythe Gate, Blythe Valley Park Solihull, West Midlands B908AE Name Tel +44 (0)121 213 3000 Fax +44 (0)121 213 3001 Rev Date By Chkd Appd www.arup.com Consutlation Plan

© Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019606 © Arup

Appendix B Consultation Materials

A4146 Water End What happens next? Heavy Goods Vehicle Ban The responses we receive from the consultation will determine the final programme, but for now we anticipate:

- Consultation on the proposed changes September 2016 12 September - 2 October 2016

- Review feedback and review proposals October 2016

November 2016- - Statutory consultation on the draft TRO February 2017 Highways England’s work to build the A5-M1 link (also known as the - Traffic signs in place (subject to approval of TRO) Spring 2017 Dunstable Northern Bypass) is almost done. The road will link the A5 with a new junction (11A) on the M1. It will provide a quicker route for strategic traffic between Hemel Hempstead and Leighton Buzzard and Autumn 2017 - Monitoring and review of effectiveness of ban beyond; and will remove the need for this traffic to use the A4146. The construction of the A5-M1 link road gives us an opportunity to change the local road network and reinforce the M1 as the most Getting and staying involved appropriate route for long distance HGV traffic. Following consultation Your views are important to us so please complete the feedback form with Central Bedfordshire Council and Buckinghamshire County Council online at: www.hertfordshire.gov/A4146TRO a weight limit on the A4146 at Water End bridge is being proposed. Alternatively, you could complete the response form enclosed and post it to To help limit the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the the address below. A4146 a route signing scheme is also proposed in Hemel Hempstead to If you need a different format or wish to contact us directly you can: encourage HGVs onto the M1. Call: 0300 123 4040 The plan enclosed shows the proposed location of the HGV ban, proposed HGV routing signs and expected monitoring locations. There Email: [email protected] will also be signs in Central Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, which Write to: A4146 Water End HGV Ban are not shown. Highways Dept. Postal Point CHL 002 We want to gather your views on the HGV ban so that we can consider Hertfordshire County Council these as part of the refinement of the scheme prior to the submission of County Hall an application to make this ban legally enforceable by the police. Pegs Lane Separately HCC is working with Central Bedfordshire Council and SG13 8DN Buckinghamshire County Council to reclassify the A4146 to the B440. This will take effect soon after the A5-M1 link is opened, but does not form part of this consultation. For more information see www.hertfordshire.gov/A4146TRO N

The M1-A5 Link is located to the north of Dunstable. More information on this is available by searching ‘A5 M1 link’ online.

We propose to introduce a 7.5 tonne limit on this section of road. For a long time residents have It is not expected that wanted to reduce the environmental HGVs will transfer to other impact of HGVs in Water End and local roads as the A5-M1 neighbouring villages. Link offers a quicker route. However in the short term, The weight limit at Water End there may be some local will impact on all of the villages rerouting of HGVs that would between Leighton Buzzard and have previously used the Hemel Hempstead as all HGVs will A4146. be prohibited from driving through the banned length. Traffic surveys will be undertaken before and after the weight limit is imposed. If these places see significant increases in HGV traffic further action may be required. The parapets of the bridge are frequently damaged. It is thought that the damage has been caused by HGVs. This is a listed structure and is expensive to repair.

Key: A4147 Proposed 7.5T Ban Proposed HGV Routing Sign Locations Proposed Traffic Count Monitoring Sites A series of signs are proposed in the locations 7.5T Sign Locations marked on this plan ( ) to direct HGVs onto the M1.

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016 A4146 Water End HGV Ban Public Consultation Response Form We would be grateful if you would take the time to answer the following questions about the potential HGV ban on the A4146. The first questions are about you. These questions are optional, but your answers will help us to make decisions fairly and ensure we are attracting a wide range of people to respond to this consultation. Personal information you give us will remain strictly confidential and will be used for monitoring purposes only, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Information will be stored for the life of the scheme only, and will not be used outside of this project. We may have to release some information through a freedom of information (FOI) request; however your personal details will not be shared.

Please provide your name and address below Name:

Address:

Postcode:

1. What is your view on the proposed 7.5t ban?

Strongly Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Disagree

2. Are the monitoring locations appropriate?

Yes No Others (Suggest)

If you think there should be other monitoring locations please describe these locations below:

3. Please provide any other comments below Please use additional sheets if required.

Thank you for your comments. Please send you completed questionnaire to A4146 Water End HGV Ban, Highways Dept. Postal Point CHL 0OZ, Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8DN; or complete the form online at hertsdirect.org/A4146TRO. A4146 Water End Heavy Goods Vehicle Ban Background The new A5-M1 link road (Dunstable Northern Bypass) provides an opportunity to address longstanding concerns voiced by residents of the villages living along the A4146 between Hemel Hempstead and Leighton Buzzard about heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the road. Hertfordshire County Council’s Highways department is working with Central Bedfordshire Council and Buckinghamshire County Council on two cross border changes affecting the A4146 Leighton Buzzard Road. This concerns the section of the A4146 between Galley Hill (A4147) roundabout in Hemel Hempstead and the A505 roundabout just south of Leighton Buzzard. The two cross border changes are: 1. the A4146 should be reclassified to a ‘B’ road (B440), and that HCC will lead the administrative work (not part of this consultation); and 2. a prohibition of vehicles over 7.5T at Water End on the A4146, and three zonal HGV bans in Central Bedfordshire.. These zonal bans do not form part of this consultation.

Further information about the changes outside of Hertfordshire are available here: • http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a5-m1-link-dunstable-northern- bypass/ • www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/weightlimits

A4146 Water End Heavy Goods Vehicle Ban Consultation A public consultation on a HGV ban on the A4146 is planned in advance of a formal application for a Traffic Regulation Order to ban HGVs over 7.5 tonnes crossing Water End bridge.

The consultation will run between 12 September and 2 October 2016. A copy of the consultation leaflet and feedback form are available at www.hertsdirect.org/A4146TRO.

What happens next? The responses we receive from the consultation will determine the final programme, but for now we anticipate: • Consultation on the proposed changes 12 September - 2 October 2016 • Review feedback and finalise proposals October 2016 • Statutory consultation on the draft TRO November 2016- February 2017 • Traffic signs in place (subject to approval of TRO) spring 2017 • Monitoring and review of effectiveness of the HGV ban autumn 2017 Where to go for more information Please contact Hannah Smith ([email protected]) if you would like more information about the proposed scheme. Frequently Asked Questions Why do we need a ban? The ban would address the effects of HGVs on the A4146. For a long time residents have wanted to reduce the environmental impact of HGVs in Water End and neighbouring villages. Traffic surveys indicate that currently over 300 HGVs drive through Water End between 7am and 7pm on weekdays. The bridge at Water End is a listed structure. This bridge has been damaged a number of times, and it is thought the damage is caused by HGVs.

Highways England’s work to build the A5-M1 link (also known as the Dunstable Northern Bypass) is almost complete. The road will link the A5 with a new junction (11A) on the M1. It will provide a quicker route for strategic traffic between Hemel Hempstead and Leighton Buzzard and beyond; and will remove the need for this traffic to use the A4146. Effectively Water End will be bypassed. Journey times have been calculated to be quicker using the A5-M1 link and motorways between

• A505 roundabout Leighton Buzzard and junction 9 M1 • A505 roundabout Leighton Buzzard and junction 8 M1 • A505 roundabout Leighton Buzzard and junction 20 M25 The construction of the A5-M1 link road gives us an opportunity to change the local road network and reinforce the M1 as the most appropriate route for through traffic. A 7.5-tonne ban will mean that restrictions on the A4146 can be legally enforced by the police. What is a HGV? A HGV or heavy goods vehicle has been used in this instance to refer to any vehicle weighing over 7.5 tonnes, identified by the yellow and orange markings on the rear of vehicles. Where will the HGVs go instead? Directional signs in Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable will direct HGVs onto the M1. In the short term, there may be some local rerouting of HGVs that would have previously used the A4146. It is not expected that HGVs will transfer to other local roads in the long term as the A5- M1 Link will offer a quicker route. What will happen if HGVs go on other local routes? The ban will only be enforceable by the police along the banned section of the A4146; however we do not expect HGVs to transfer onto other local roads as the A5-M1 Link will offer a quicker route.

I am worried about my road, can HGVs be banned from my road too? Once the A5-M1 Link Road is open, we expect that HGVs drivers will choose to use M1, as it is quicker. We will monitor the number of HGVs on A4146 once the ban has been introduced, and we will also monitor the numbers of HGVs using the nearby roads. This monitoring should happen about 6 months after the ban is introduced to give everyone time to get used to it. We have shown the proposed monitoring locations on the consultation plan. There can only be one monitoring position per road, regardless of its length. Please let us know if you are worried about HGVs on a road which does not have a monitoring position. If roads see significant increases in HGV traffic further action may be required. How will deliveries get to my house with the ban in place? If your property is within the banned length, deliveries will be unaffected. If your property is outside of the banned length, the prohibition will apply and the driver will be required to find an alternative route as they will be unable to drive through the banned length. Can the barriers be removed on the bridge with the ban in place? Yes, the barriers should not be needed once the ban is in place. What is a TRO? A TRO or Traffic Regulation Order is the legal document required to support a range of measures which govern or restrict the use of a public road. In this case, one is required to make a 7.5 tonne limit on Water End Bridge enforceable by the police. Applications for Orders are made in line with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). To make an order the following steps must be followed: 1. Any body specified in Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulation 1996 must be consulted, and a notice must be made in the local newspaper. Notices should also be displayed in the relevant area, and send to local properties. 2. Anyone may object in writing to an order by the date specified on the notices. A public inquiry would not be required for a scheme like this in line with the Regulations. A decision would be made balancing these objections against the reasons for the scheme. 3. Orders cannot be made before the statutory period for objection ends. Once this ends HCC can make an order, and we must place an advert in the local newspaper within 14 days of the decision. At this point we would write to any objectors outlining our decision to proceed. The signs relating to the order must be in place before it can come into force. How will the decision about whether to proceed with a TRO be made? Your views are important to us, but they are not the only factor taken into account in decision making. Decisions on any highways scheme will also take into account safety, cost, and environmental impacts; as well as local and regional issues.

Appendix C Duplicate responses

Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

The following graphs represent the responses to question 1 and 2, including duplicate responses which were removed for the analysis set out in Chapter 4. Figure 3: response to question 1: ‘What is your view on the proposed scheme?’ including duplicate responses.

Figure 4: response to question 2: ‘Are the monitoring locations appropriate?’ including duplicate responses.

| Final report | 11 November 2016 Page C1

Appendix D Location of responses to Q1

Appendix E Final Scheme

Hertfordshire County Council A4146 Water End HGV Ban Consultation Report

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0 1 0 m m 5 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 m m Original SheetSize A3[420x297] Legend: County boundary weight restrictionTRO Extent ofproposed7.5t Plot Date Gaddesden Little Nettleden Road Revision R0 R1 Amendment First Issue TRO ExtentAmended Hudnall Lane Approved RB RB A4146 LeightonBuzzardRoad Revision Date 11/16 12/16 Pipers Hill Phone: 01992555555 COUNTY HALL Hertford, Herts Pegs Lane SG13 8DN Gaddesden © Crowncopyrightanddatabaserightto2014OrdnanceSurvey 100019606 (This restrictionmaynotapplytoHCC anditslicensedcontractors,agents&partners.) any form. You arenotpermittedtocopy,sub-licence, distributeorsellanyofthisdatatothirdpartiesin Drawn NS Great Designed NS Approved RB Revision Date NOV 16 1:20000 Scale Project Drawing No. Sheet ITP-16034-S1-035-A3 Proposed Traffic RegulationOrders A4146 /Nettleden Rd/HudnallLanePipers Hill HGV Prohibition ITP16034: A4146Reclassification and Water End Sheet. No. 035 Revision R1

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