For the Executive to consider the following petition:

“Six months ago the CAT5 between Warburton and Altrincham was put on a diversionary route due to a new advisory height sign erected by Trafford MBC following guidance issued by the Department of Transport. A similar issue on Barsbank Lane, Statham with a similar low underbridge was resolved this year, as the bridge was re-signed by Warrington Borough Council. We the undersigned insist that this situation is resolved without further delay by Trafford MBC. Also, until that time, TfGM arrange for a diversion that best serves the travelling public instead of just the operator by travelling down a route that is already well served.”

The Executive gave formal consideration to the following petition.

“Six months ago the CAT5 between Warburton and Altrincham was put on a diversionary route due to a new advisory height sign erected by Trafford MBC following guidance issued by the Department of Transport. A similar issue on Barsbank Lane, Statham with a similar low underbridge was resolved this year, as the bridge was re-signed by Warrington Borough Council. We the undersigned insist that this situation is resolved without further delay by Trafford MBC. Also, until that time, TfGM arrange for a diversion that best serves the travelling public instead of just the operator by travelling down a route that is already well served.”

A representative of the petitioners had submitted the following further material clarifying the concerns which had prompted the petition, and the Executive Member had taken this into consideration in responding on behalf of the Executive.

“It is my belief petitions with over 500 signatories will be considered at a full council meeting.

I therefore present the results of a current petition to date for consideration at said meeting.

The petition has the backing and support of Warburton Parish council, Lymm Parish Council, public house’s and other business’s and has been signed by people who live and or work in the catchment area and their social, business and family life has been affected by the ridiculous situation of the withdrawal of a service which historically extends over 60 years due to what we believe is the mis-signing of the height limit of the under-bridge in Dunham Massey.

The under-bridge itself was rebuilt (I believe) some 39 years ago and was specifically redesigned to accommodate single deck buses.

Despite the fact that it is 11’ 9” in height from the road surface to the lower deck it is signed at 9’ I am lead to believe that this complies with new government guidelines. Guidelines are there to guide and are not law. Can we please see some common sense applied, as this diversion is causing a lot of disruption to peoples lives.

The new CAT5 buses at a height of 9’ 6” have been transiting safely since their introduction in spring of 2018.

Increasing the height by 6” to allow the buses to continue would surely not encourage a deluge of high heavy vehicles to use this route!

Please find attached the signatories who have signed to enforce the statement:

We the undersigned insist that this situation is resolved without further delay by Trafford MBC. Also, until that time, TfGM arrange for a diversion that best serves the travelling public instead of just the operator by travelling down a route that is already well served.

Thanks and Regards”

It was noted that a related question had also been received from the petitioners’ representative, as follows:

“In all correspondence with the various authorities and various Paris Councils. The word new laws is used in defence of the bridge signage:

I can find no such ‘new law’. But have discovered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39