BathNES Council has agreed to use the planned closure of the A36 to monitor HGV movements through the city. This could provide evidence to support an HGV ban over Cleveland Bridge.

The A36 is due to be closed from March for three months so that the Highways Agency can stabilise the slope around Claverton and Monkton Combe. This will divert traffic to alternatives routes, mostly through Wiltshire.

BathNES Council Liberal Democrats have previously sought to prevent HGVs crossing Cleveland Bridge, but were prevented by objections from Conservatives on Wiltshire Council. Now the closure of the A36 provides an opportunity to monitor displaced traffic to provide evidence supporting an HGV ban in Bath.

For the first time, the council meeting was webcast, which means that residents can watch a recording over the internet.