Public can still have a say over cycle lane row

Norwich Eastern Evening News Thursday May , 2008

The first deliveries in a controversial scheme to cut the number of big lorries rumbling through Norwich have been made - but people with views about whether the new vehicles should be allowed to use the city's bus and cycle lanes have been urged to have their say.  
Under a county and city council initiative, a freight consolidation centre has been established by Foulger . Transport at Snetterton off the All. The centre acts as a receiving point for deliveries from across the UK which are destined for companies in the city. The loads are then divided up into a smaller number of low- emission lorries, which are fully loaded.
The initiative, which is sponsored by Chapelfield and is part of the EU's Civitas scheme to create greener cities, aims to reduce pollution and congestion in the city centre. But to make the journey quicker - and more attractive to companies - council bosses suggested lorries should be allowed to use the bus and cycle lane in Newmarket Road to avoid jams. The first lorries arrived at Chapelfield shopping centre this week, but at the moment they are not using the bus and cycle lane because of the controversy the suggestion sparked. Members of the Norwich Joint Highways Agency Committee decided to delay the use of the bus and cycle lane because of concern it would compromise the safety of cyclists. People were given the chance to air their views and, although the scheme has started, people will still get to have a say City councillor Judith Lubbock, a member of the Norwich Joint Highways Agency Committee fears lorries in the Newmarket Road bus and cycle lane, would be dangerous. She said: "We can still stop the lorries using the cycle and bus lane and people have until the next meeting of the highways agency committee to make their voices heard." But, notwithstanding the issue over the bus lane, the scheme has earned praise. Tony Adams, chairman of the Norwich Joint Highways Agency Committee said after the launch of the first lorry: "This will serve as a reminder to all city businesses that there is a better way of delivering into Norwich city centre." Graham Mayes, development manager for the consolidation centre, said: "The first retailers have signed up to the scheme and now it is in operation we hope many more will see the benefits and help make Norwich a cleaner and greener city." Sophie Hallett, marketing manager for Chapelfield, said: "This project will give a reliable service for stock deliveries and reduce congestion in the city"

→ To find out more about the consolidation centre call Graham Mayes on 0193 715069 or email graham.mayes@foulgers.co.uk
→ To have your say on the bus/cycle lane debate write to Andy Watts at Norwich City Council and David Sprunt at Norfolk County Council.

Dan Grimmer
dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk