The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, Councillor Jennifer Warren, deferred a decision on traffic regulation orders for Crewe Lane in Kenilworth pending a site visit. A decision was made to approve a proposed road numbering strategy for South West Rugby, designating two new roads as 'A' class.

Crewe Lane Kenilworth, Traffic Regulation Orders

A decision on proposed traffic regulation orders for Crewe Lane in Kenilworth was deferred to allow for a site visit. The proposed orders included a 30 mph speed limit and a prohibition of motor vehicles on a section of the road. The aim of these measures is to manage traffic generated by a major housing development planned for the area, redirecting it to a purpose-built spine road and making Crewe Lane safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The road is narrow, rural, and lacks footways, making it unsuitable for high volumes of through traffic.

The proposals faced significant public objection, with 71 objections to the prohibition of motor vehicles and two objections to the 30 mph speed limit. Common concerns included reduced access to Kenilworth, longer detours for motorists, and the potential for displaced traffic to cause congestion on other routes. Objectors also suggested alternative solutions for Crewe Lane, such as widening the road or implementing traffic calming measures.

Warwickshire County Council responded to these objections by highlighting that the new spine road, Oakley Road and Lancelotte Avenue, is designed to provide an alternative route and maintain access. They also noted that the proposals for Crewe Lane have been part of longstanding development plans, recognising the road's unsuitability for increased traffic. The council also addressed concerns about the timing of road closures, stating that the prohibition on Crewe Lane would be delayed until other essential infrastructure, such as the Dalehouse Lane reopening and the new roundabout at Glasshouse Lane/Oakley Road/Stansfield Grove, is completed.

The decision to defer allows for a site visit on Monday 15 June 2026, after which the Portfolio Holder is expected to make a final decision.

Proposed Road Numbering Strategy - South West Rugby

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning approved a road numbering strategy for South West Rugby. This strategy designates the Homestead Link Road (HLR) as the A4257 and the Potsford Dam Link (PDL) as the A4193. These roads are classified as 'A' class due to their anticipated traffic volumes and their role as locally strategic routes within the South West Rugby development.

The HLR will serve as a northern bypass of Dunchurch village, connecting the A426 to the B4429 Coventry Road. The PDL will link the A45/M45 Thurlaston Interchange with the A4071/B4429 roundabout, providing an alternative route to the A45/A4071 Blue Boar Interchange. These new roads are part of a larger development plan for South West Rugby, which includes housing, employment land, schools, and other community facilities.

The classification of these roads as 'A' class is supported by traffic modelling predictions, which indicate Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flows of approximately 16,410 vehicles per day for the HLR and 16,500 vehicles per day for the PDL. These figures are comparable to or higher than existing 'A' class roads in the area. The PDL is expected to carry a higher proportion of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) due to its role in providing access to logistics units at Symmetry Park.

The decision aligns with the Department for Transport's guidance on road classification and the Primary Route Network, allowing local highway authorities to manage local classification decisions. The classification of these roads is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at key interchanges, potentially benefiting local air quality in areas like Dunchurch, which is within an Air Quality Management Area. There are no direct financial implications for the County Council, as the developers will fund the signing strategies for the new roads.