To impose and enforce a 7.5T weight restriction of LARGE VEHICLES (HGVs) from The Terrace and High Street, Barnes (A3003) (excluding TFL /Buses)

Statement

To impose and enforce a 7.5T weight restriction of LARGE VEHICLES (HGVs) from The Terrace and High Street, Barnes (A3003) (excluding TFL /Buses) In 1987, an experimental ban on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) was introduced in The Terrace and Elm Bank Gardens Barnes, and this ban was made permanent by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on November 16, 1987. The decision was made because the ban significantly reduced heavy vehicle movements, improving the residential environment by lowering disturbance and pollution in the area. 1. Initial Experimental Ban: An experimental ban on HGVs was implemented on The Terrace. 2. Transportation sub-committee Review: The Transportation sub-committee of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames reviewed the effects of this experimental ban on September 2, 1987. 3. Decision to Make Permanent: Following the review, the committee decided to make the ban permanent, citing a significant reduction in heavy vehicle movements in the residential streets. 4. Formal Order: An order was made on November 16, 1987, to formalise the permanent ban in The Terrace. 5. Reasons for the Ban: The primary reasons for making the ban permanent were to significantly reduce disturbance to residents and improve the local environment, as the ban had led to a substantial decrease in heavy vehicle traffic. 6. The order appears to have been altered to 16.5T weight restriction in 1991 and 1993 with no community consultation. No reason was given for this change. 7. In 2013, this weight restriction was increased to 18T and all previous orders were revoked.

Details

In 1987, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames made a permanent ban on HGVs following a successful experimental trial that significantly reduced heavy vehicle movements, noise, and pollution, greatly improving the residential environment. However subsequent changes, including the alteration to a 16.5T weight restriction in 1991 and 1993, and the increase to 18T in 2013, were made with no public consultation or stated justification. Given the original decision’s clear environmental and community benefits, it is reasonable to ask why these protective measures were quietly weakened and what supported those changes. In March 2025, Barnes’ Community Association’s Travel Barnes group was informed that Richmond Council had approved The Terrace, Barnes, as an area where measures would be introduced to enhance the pedestrian experience. The BCA Travel Group was subsequently tasked with consulting the local community to gather suggestions on how best to achieve this objective. Engagement included pedestrians, residents of The Terrace and Elm Bank Gardens, High Street residents and retailers, as well as other interested stakeholders. Through this consultation process, it became evident that the primary concern among residents and businesses was the rapid and significant increase in both the volume and type of traffic using The Terrace as a shortcut route through Barnes to other parts of southwest London. Reasons for petition to change the current traffic restrictions for The Terrace: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: The absence of adequate pedestrian crossings at both ends of The Terrace and near Barnes Bridge Station significantly increases risks to pedestrians. The narrow width of the roadway further compromises safety, making it currently unsuitable for safe cycling. Structural Impact: The high volume and weight of traffic are causing structural damage to the Grade II listed buildings along The Terrace. Traffic Congestion and Driver Behaviour: Congestion on The Terrace and Barnes High Street leads to driver frustration and instances of aggressive behaviour, including dangerous overtaking of buses, cyclists, and other vehicles. Public Health and Air Quality: The narrow pavements place pedestrians in close proximity to vehicles, exposing them to air pollution from exhaust emissions, brake dust, and tyre particles. This impact is exacerbated by the increasing number of heavy goods and electric vehicles.

Started by: Paul Hodson (on behalf of Barnes Community Association - Travel Barnes group)