Staffordshire County Council (SCC) have proposed a permanent traffic restriction order (TRO) on Swan and Limer Rakes in Hollinsclough. This proposed order is under consultation until the 7th February and – if accepted – will mean motorised vehicles will not be able to use these rights of way. Click here for the location of the proposed TROs.
If you want to make any representations or objections to the proposed TRO, they must be submitted via email to SCC not later than 07 February 2024 quoting reference HoCPS/TM/TR34/23 and stating the grounds on which you are making them.
The area around Hollinsclough has for many years been a popular location for off-roaders due to the quiet but challenging terrain. This also meant interesting, technical riding for mountain bikers. The recent repairs to the Hollinsclough Rakes mean easier riding, but this quiet corner of the Peak District is no longer the esoteric challenge for mountain bikers that it used to be.
We’ve been reporting on the rolling closure of Hollinsclough Rakes and for the last few years (read more). Other rights of way in the area have been subject to TROs in recent years, so it was fully expected that SCC would propose a TRO for Swan and Limer Rakes. The reason for the TRO is:
“To prevent the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road and to preserve the character of the road for it to remain suitable for use by cyclists and persons on horseback or on foot in accordance with Staffordshire County Council’s statutory duty as highway authority under Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 requiring the expeditious, convenient, and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic including pedestrians, and for preventing damage to the road or to any building on or near the road.”
For more info refer to Staffordshire County Council’s website (link).
Don’t forget, you have until 7th February to respond to this proposed traffic restriction order. Submit your representations or objections to the TRO via email to SCC not later than 07 February 2024 quoting reference HoCPS/TM/TR34/23 and stating the grounds on which you are making them.