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Safety issues, but TC unable to refuse

22nd March 2007, Page 37
22nd March 2007
Page 37
Page 37, 22nd March 2007 — Safety issues, but TC unable to refuse
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DESPITE HIGHWAY dangers at crossroads 200 metres from the entrance, Victor Muggeridge, trading as M&L Contractors, has been allowed to move his operating centre from Couisdon to Upper Gallon, near Reigate, in Surrey.

South-Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner Christopher Heaps made it plain he was unable to refuse the application, wh ich was opposed by Surrey County Council, to base Muggeridge's three vehicles at the site on Crossways Lane, Upper Gatton.

Muggeridge agreed to conditions that vehicles would enter and leave in forward gear and not exceed 7.5 tonnes GVW. In addition, he undertook that on leaving Crossways Lane, the vehicles would turn left into Blackhorse Lane. However, the conditions and undertaking did not meet the county council's objection, particularly relating to the visibility at the staggered junction of four roads at the crossroads.

Nicola Downs,assistant transportation development control officer, said that visibility on leaving Crossways Lane was 22.5m, only 25% of the recommended distance. The problem was not addressed by a mirror, which had been erected without authority on highway land at the crossroads. She accepted that visibility at the entrance of the site itself was not a problem.

For Muggeridge, Fred Randall argued that the suitability of the crossroads was not a matter for the TC to consider; Pauline Knowles, for the council, maintained that the TC was not limited to consideration of the entrance to the site only.

The TC said that however much he would like to take into account the suitability of highways in the vicinity of an operating centre, he was not persuaded that he had the power to refuse the application.


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