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

Crewe Lane, Kenilworth, Traffic Regulation Orders

A decision regarding proposed traffic regulation orders for Crewe Lane in Kenilworth was deferred. The proposed orders included a 30 mph speed limit and a prohibition of motor vehicles on a specific section of the road. The deferral was to allow for a site visit, with a decision expected after Monday 15 June 2026.

The proposals aimed to manage traffic generated by a major housing development planned for the area, directing traffic onto a purpose-built spine road and making Crewe Lane safer for walking, cycling, and local access. The rural nature of Crewe Lane, its narrow width, and lack of footways were cited as reasons for the proposed changes.

The consultation on the proposed orders received 105 responses, including objections and comments. Key concerns raised by objectors included reduced access to and from Kenilworth, longer detours for motorists, and the potential for additional traffic to be inappropriate for the new estate. There were also concerns about the closure of other roads concurrently and the potential for displaced traffic to cause congestion on alternative routes.

Warwickshire County Council's response to these objections highlighted that the new spine road would provide an alternative and more appropriate route, maintaining access and not significantly increasing journey lengths. The council also noted that the spine road was designed to accommodate the anticipated traffic from the development. Concerns about concurrent road closures were addressed by proposing to delay the prohibition of motor vehicles on Crewe Lane until other essential roadworks, such as the reopening of Dalehouse Lane and the construction of a new roundabout, were completed.

The proposal for a 30 mph speed limit received support from 21 respondents, with only two objections. The prohibition of motor vehicles received 69 objections from individuals and two organisations, while four individuals and two organisations supported it. Kenilworth Town Council did not object but requested that the spine road and roundabout be completed before any closure of Crewe Lane was implemented.

Proposed Road Numbering Strategy - South West Rugby

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning approved a new road numbering strategy for South West Rugby. This strategy designates two new roads, the Homestead Link Road (HLR) and Potsford Dam Link (PDL), as 'A' class roads. The HLR will be numbered A4257, and the PDL will be numbered A4193.

These new roads are key elements of the strategic transport infrastructure for the South West Rugby development, which is allocated for up to 5,000 new dwellings and significant employment land. The HLR will serve as a northern bypass for Dunchurch village and provide access to the Strategic Road Network, while the PDL will offer an alternative route between the A45/M45 Thurlaston Interchange and the A4071 Rugby Western Relief Road.

The classification of these roads as 'A' class was based on predicted traffic flows, which are expected to be comparable to or higher than existing 'A' class roads in the area. The HLR is projected to carry approximately 16,410 vehicles per day, with 1.3% HGVs, while the PDL is expected to carry around 16,500 vehicles per day, with a higher proportion of 9.8% HGVs, largely due to its role in serving logistics units at Symmetry Park.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has reserved two 'A' road numbers for these projects, and the council has decided on the specific numbering. The classification of these roads is expected to improve local air quality by reducing congestion at capacity-constrained junctions like Dunchurch Crossroads and the Blue Boar Interchange. The funding for the signing strategies for these new roads will be provided by the developers.