Petition launched to say 'No to HGVs' in Bus/Cycle Lane

10.32.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Feb 2008

Judith Lubbock

Eaton Liberal Democrat City Councillor Judith Lubbock and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South Simon Wright have launched a petition against HGVs using the Newmarket Road Bus/Cycle Lane.

The petition comes after members of the Norwich Joint Highways Committee voted in January for a 6 month experiment which allows HGVs from a Freight Consolidation Centre at Snetterton to use the Newmarket Road Bus/Cycle Lane.

The vote saw the Conservative County Councillors and the Labour City Councillor Brian Morrey vote in favour whilst Liberal Democrat City Councillor Judith Lubbock voted against the scheme. She commented "Re-allocating the road space for cyclists over to HGVs is extremely disappointing. Apart from it being very dangerous with HGVs allowed to travel at 40 mph in the Bus/Cycle Lane it is sending out the wrong message about sustainable transport. The city and county should be promoting cycling not making it more difficult and dangerous."

Simon Wright felt so strongly on the issue that he decided a petition was needed to try and make the Joint Highways Committee change their mind. He said "To introduce such an experiment without first consulting with cyclists and those who live on the Newmarket Road is wrong. The Councils' idea to consult while the experiment is underway is dangerous for cyclists. The experiment is due to start in March after new signage is in place.

"The petition will be presented to the committee, and I hope that once the local residents have had a chance to express their opposition then the experiment will be brought to an end. My father lives on Newmarket Road, and so I know from first hand the strength of feeling there is and the anger because no-one until now has been asked for their views."

To sign the petition contact Judith on 504126 or go to the petitions section.