Project Update - Permit Exemption Trial

The resident access permit trial in the Bowes area is progressing in line with expectations. Around 550 permits have been issued so far, with eligible residents actively using the system.

The Council continues to receive a range of feedback from within and around the area, including both supportive comments and questions about access, safety, and monitoring. Updates have been made to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the project page in response to this engagement.

As set out in the published Monitoring Plan, two rounds of traffic data collection will take place to support the evaluation of the trial. The first monitoring period is expected to take place in March/April 2026 (subject to contractor scheduling), with a second round approximately six months later. These data collections will help assess the scheme’s impact on traffic volumes, speeds and movement patterns across the area.

To support this work, the Council will also commission an independent road safety assessment for Warwick Road. This will include a review of the key junctions at either end of the road and consider conditions both before and after the introduction of the permit trial.

The Council is grateful for the feedback received so far and remains committed to carefully reviewing all evidence before any final decisions are made on the future of the trial.