FAQs

The proposed restriction would prevent motor vehicles from using Hawkshead Lane as a through-route between surrounding roads. It would be enforceable by the police. Vehicles would still be permitted where access is required to properties, farms, businesses or other legitimate destinations on the lane. The aim is to reduce through traffic while maintaining necessary access.

Yes. Residents would continue to be able to access their properties. Visitors, deliveries, carers, and other legitimate visitors would also be permitted access.

Yes. Access to farms, businesses and other premises on Hawkshead Lane would be maintained under the proposed restriction.

Yes. Emergency services would be exempt from the restriction and would continue to have access to Hawkshead Lane.

The Royal Veterinary College has been consulted during development of the proposals. The College already advises visitors travelling by vehicle to access the campus via the eastern end of Hawkshead Lane from Hawkshead Road. Signs directing people to the Royal Veterinary College from the west will be removed.

The proposed prohibition of motor vehicles except for access would replace the existing weight limit as the primary restriction on the route. This would include vehicles weighing more than 3-tonnes. This would create a clearer restriction aimed at reducing all through traffic rather than only restricting heavier vehicles. It would also simplify roadside signing so that it is clear and understandable.

Assessments indicate that the proposed restriction would have limited impact on the wider road network. Drivers making through journeys would instead be directed to more appropriate routes that are better suited to carrying traffic volumes and larger vehicles.

Traffic modelling suggests that some traffic may choose alternative routes. The modelling indicated a relatively modest increase on Bluebridge Road and Station Road, generally around 1 to 2 additional vehicles per minute during busier periods and the roads remaining under capacity. 

However, more recent traffic surveys indicated the model overestimated the amount of traffic currently travelling through Hawkshead Lane. The modelling also assumed a physical closure that would prevent all through traffic using Hawkshead Lane, which is not what is being proposed. 

The consultation proposal would still allow access for residents, farms and businesses. We will continue to consider the potential impacts on neighbouring roads.

The proposed speed limit changes are intended to support road safety across the wider area and create a more consistent route environment. Lower speeds can help reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions and improve conditions for people walking, cycling and horse riding.

Reduced traffic volumes and lower vehicle speeds are expected to create a safer and more comfortable environment for people walking, cycling and horse riding. The proposals support existing rights of way and local cycling routes that connect communities in the area.

We recognise concerns regarding future development and and changing traffic patterns in the area. Any significant development proposals are subject to their own transport assessments and mitigation requirements. 

If the proposals are implemented, traffic conditions would continue to be monitored and assessed over time to understand how the road network is operating and whether any further measures may be required.

A number of alternative options were considered during the development of the proposals: 

• Additional traffic calming measures - This option was not progressed because parts of Hawkshead Lane are already narrow and additional features could create unnecessary pinch points and affect conditions for other road users.  
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enforcement - The number of exemptions that would apply would make this proposal too complex to be practical or enforceable.  
• Retaining the existing weight restriction only - The current weight restriction has proved ineffective in preventing larger vehicles from using the lane and was therefore not considered sufficient to address existing concerns.  
• Speed limit changes only - Reducing speeds alone would not address concerns relating to traffic volumes or the type of vehicles using Hawkshead Lane.  
• Alternative vehicle restrictions - Other forms of vehicle restriction, including a traffic filter preventing vehicle access and a width restriction, were considered but could have adversely affected access requirements for those living and working on Hawkshead Lane.  

We recognise the importance of Bluebridge Road and Station Road and the role they play in connecting communities. These routes have been identified within wider transport plans for future enhancement, particularly to help people to walk and cycle for local journeys. 

The Hawkshead Lane proposals are being progressed at this time because funding is currently available for this project. Future improvements on surrounding routes may be considered as funding opportunities emerge, including through developer contributions associated with growth in the area. 

Any restrictions introduced through a Traffic Regulation Order would be legally enforceable. We will monitor and review the effectiveness of the restriction if the project is implemented.

If the proposals are approved and implemented, the County Council would monitor the scheme and review its effectiveness using available traffic and safety information.

Following the consultation, all responses will be carefully reviewed before any decision is taken on whether to proceed. We will produce a consultation report and work with local county councillors to agree a decision. The next step will be a formal consultation on a traffic regulation order for a vehicle prohibition, speed limit change and revocation of the weight limit. This will be promoted via notices on site, in the local newspaper and via email to key stakeholders. People will have the chance to comment or object to the proposal during this stage.

No decision on implementation dates have been made and timescales will be communicated at a later date.

You can submit your views through the consultation survey. 

Information about how to respond, consultation deadlines and next steps is provided within the consultation materials. 

All responses received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered before a decision is made on whether to proceed with the proposals. We will discuss the outcome with the local county councillors, whose input will inform the decision making. The outcome of the consultation and any subsequent decisions will be published by the County Council.