A public enquiry was held at the Office for the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) in Cambridge in July, after residents claimed that the early morning movements of Veolia’s heavy goods vehicle’s (HGVs) were impacting their wellbeing.
At the enquiry, Veolia offered to enforce a number of undertakings to reduce the noise coming from the site.
The decision following the enquiry, which was handed down last month, determined that the waste management company carry out these undertakings, as well as six other conditions imposed by the Traffic Commissioner.
‘Good neighbours’
A Veolia spokesperson said: “We always strive to be good neighbours in the communities where we work.
“We welcome the ruling from the Traffic Commissioner and we are making the changes to minimise any impact from traffic and our operations, including upgrading our vehicles, altering operational times and improving staff training and awareness.”
Conditions
Under the conditions imposed by the traffic commissioner, Veolia cannot load or unload vehicles, or undertake any maintenance at the site, except between the hours of 7am-6pm on Monday to Friday and 7am-12pm on Saturdays.
And, all vehicles must also only accelerate gently using low revs within the site, with a maximum speed limit of 10mph.
The site on Long Leys road is in a residential area, sparking concerns from residents.
Undertakings
Veolia’s own undertakings to reduce noise include not allowing vehicles to leave the site using high revs or a speed greater than 10pmh, keeping the fire escape door shut, and using CCTV to track movements.
The company added that any employee that is found to have breached the undertakings or conditions will be considered to have committed “serious misconduct”.
Community
The restrictions are part of a four-year effort by residents and the Long Reys community group.
A spokesperson for the community group said: “The conditions imposed by the Traffic Commissioner, together with Veolia’s undertakings, should significantly reduce the potential for early morning noise disturbance to residents. LLRA are confident that Veolia will honour the conditions and undertakings.
There are now clear rules for Veolia to follow. Were Veolia to repeatedly breach any of them, then this would potentially jeopardise Veolia’s national licence, affecting every Veolia operating centre nationally. This means any documented breach in Long Leys is likely to be taken very seriously by Veolia senior management. LLRA would welcome any genuine approach from Veolia to actively engage and consult with Long Leys Residents Association on existing activities.”
Subscribe for free