Lorry cap could increase in new plans for depot

Up to 40 lorries could be driving through narrow residential roads in Surrey each day as a council wants to lift a cap on larger vehicle restrictions entering its waste depot.

Elmbridge Borough Council said it needed to expand access to its Mill Road site in Esher to meet growing demand for waste, recycling and street cleaning.

It submitted a planning application to re-route traffic in January but withdrew it in April as residents were concerned it would force lorries along local school run roads.

The new plans would keep restrictions on when lorries could use Douglas Road and The Woodlands, but raise the vehicle limit from 25 to 40, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

New objections received by the council reiterate its proximity to two primary schools and residential areas.

One reads: "These roads should be serving local residents, families, pedestrians and cyclists, not acting as a through-route for industrial traffic."

Objectors previously said easing the bin lorry rules could pose safety risks.

The council said: "Without the proposed changes, additional vehicles and crews may be needed to complete the same work within the existing operating times.

"This could result in more council vehicles on local roads and increased service costs."

It wants to bring the finish times forward to 18:00 GMT, rather than 20:00 from the original proposal, in recognition of previous concerns.

However, it is looking to keep the original 06:00 start times between Mondays and Saturdays to give flexibility during extreme weather and breakdowns, and so vehicles can leave the depot before school drop-offs.

It also intends to put £100,000 into road improvements around the site in response to concerns over road conditions and noise.

The application is expected to be heard at the council's next planning meeting on 8 December.

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