The Royal Borough has welcomed the High Court’s backing of a weight limit imposed on the Chobham Road Bridge.

In April 2016 the council reduced the weight restriction from 18 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes to stop heavy vehicles from using the bridge in Sunningdale and ease resident concerns about road safety.

The decision was challenged by Surrey County Council which called for a judicial review on the grounds that the Royal Borough failed to properly consult on the changes or take into account alternative solutions.

However on Wednesday 16 November Deputy Judge Robin Purchas QC dismissed the case at the Royal Courts of Justice and ordered Surrey County Council pay back the Royal Borough’s legal costs of £10,687.79.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am glad to see the High Court has found that our decision was taken properly. We introduced this weight limit after listening to our residents’ concerns and looking for the best possible solution.

“It is a shame that this matter had to be brought before the courts but I hope we can work together in the future to ensure that matters arising close to our borough’s boundaries can be addressed amicably.”

Cllr Christine Bateson, principal member for Ascot and the Sunnings, added: “This is great news for our residents in the south of the borough.

“We worked with the residents of Sunningdale to introduce this weight limit as a way to increase safety on this important bridge and I believe that this support from the High Court shows we were right in taking this action to protect our residents.”

 

Residents in Sunningdale, supported by Sunningdale Parish Council  and RBWM, have campaigned for many months to restrict usage of the narrow and dangerous S-bend bridge by larger lorries.

 

See also ASCOTMATTERS ARTICLE on related traffic issues in Sunningdale. And ARTICLE