The engagement period was extended at my request to allow more time for comments to be received on my provisional decision. I have previously expressed my discomfort with the fact the original closure was introduced without sufficient pre-consultation and I was not prepared for the same thing to happen with the amendment included here.
I have carefully reviewed all the comments made during the extended engagement period and I confirm my original decision with amendment. In view of the extra time taken to engage, the planned further review and consultation on the Darby’s Lane Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) will be reduced from 3 to 2 months to allow for a final decision to be processed within the maximum 18 month legal period permitted for an ETRO.
I confirm that Kingsbere Road will be closed as per the original decision paper by a separate ETRO on an experimental basis. The public will also be invited to comment on this measure and a review will be undertaken after, at latest, 6 months, however I reserve my option to remove this measure before the 6 months is elapsed if considered appropriate. As with the Darby’s Lane ETRO, I note the maximum possible trial period is 18 months.
It appears that a lot of the concerns raised during the engagement feedback are about the potential for additional traffic on Pound Lane. I have asked that, if possible, information on traffic flows in Pound Lane is collected before and during the Kingsbere Road experimental closure so that I can consider that impact as part of a future review.
In reaching this decision, as with other ETROs, I have relied heavily on the view of local ward councillors, who should know the area they represent best. In this case the Oakdale Ward councillors are very strongly in favour of retaining the Darby's Lane closure and introducing this further closure in Kingsbere Road.