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Roads Maintenance
Timber Transport Group
Introducing Agreed Routes
Rapidly increasing timber harvest will have a significant impact on the rural road
network, which can best be managed by early planning. Data has been collected to
provide the basic information for the development of voluntary 'Agreed Routes'.
The aim is to keep timber traffic off the most vulnerable roads by directing it
along stronger routes. The information gathered has been used to help inform Council
planning and spending on roads upgrading and maintenance. Agreed Route Maps have
been developed by Regional Timber Transport Groups throughout Scotland.
Download the Timber Transport Strategy
Preparing The Agreed Routes Map
The route agreements are based on information collected in a survey carried out
for the Ayrshire Timber Transport Group. Outgoing volumes of timber were estimated
with locations and proposed direction of timber movement identified for each timber
exit point. The survey included woodland in public and private ownership. The Forestry
Commission Scotland then produced 'Timber Extraction Maps' showing the estimated
timber extraction forecast. The Ayrshire Timber Transport Group then used the Timber
Extraction Maps along with technical data and local knowledge in order to establish
a draft routes classification.
Following extensive consultation with all interested parties including the public,
the Ayrshire Agreed Routes Map for Timber Transport has been finalised. The Forestry
Commission Scotland have provided a GIS version of the Agreed Routes Map of which
a CD-ROM version has been produced. The map was launched by Allan Wilson MSP, Deputy
Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 24th February 2003 at Dunaskin
Heritage Centre, by Patna.
Copies of the Agreed Routes Map are placed in Forestry Commission Conservancy Offices,
Forest Enterprise District Offices and the Operational Offices of East, North and
South Ayrshire Councils. You may download the Agreed Routes Map in:
You can also email Neil Sheddon to request a copy of the
A.T.T.G. Publicity Leaflet which has the map printed on it.
All Agreed Routes Maps can be downloaded from the Timber Transport Forum website.
Using The Agreed Routes Map
A route agreement is voluntary - but has the support of timber industry representative
organisations, the Forestry Commission, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council
and South Ayrshire Council as a basis for minimising problems arising from timber
haulage on public roads.
The Ayrshire Timber Transport Group will always welcome consultation about timber
haulage plans.
It is the responsibility of the owners to contact the relevant Local Authority to
determine the status and availability of particular roads. Weight and length restrictions
on roads are not shown and users of the maps are responsible for ascertaining whether
or not routes are unrestricted.
The owner (or agent) should then advise potential purchasers of any restrictions
on requirements relating to the preferred haulage route; this may include a request
that harvesting managers contact the local authority to consult with them on the
proposed timing of operations.
Revising The Agreed Routes Map
The map will be formally updated and re-issued annually or when significant changes
take place. Amendments to the Agreed Routes Map will be determined by the Ayrshire
Timber Transport Group Operational Group.
The Ayrshire Timber Transport Group take responsibility for informing the Forestry
Commission of changes and will maintain a register of changes.
Road Classification
The following definitions are used to classify roads:
- Agreed Routes: Those routes that can be used for timber haulage
without restriction as regulated by the Road Traffic Act 1988.
- Consultation Routes: Those routes that are recognised as being
key to timber extraction but which are not up to Agreed Route standard. Consultation
with the Local Authority is required and it may be necessary to agree limits of
timing, allowable tonnage etc. before the route can be used.
- Severely Restricted Routes: Those routes that should not normally
be used for timber transport in their present condition. These routes are close
to being Excluded Routes. Consultation with the Local Authority is required to achieve
an agreed management regime to avoid landlocking of timber.
- Excluded Routes: Those routes that should not be used for timber
transport in their present condition under any circumstances. These routes are either
formally restricted, or are close to being formally restricted, to protect the network.
Consultation with the Local Authority is essential.
A.T.T.G. Partnering Charter
The Charter was signed
by a representative of each member of the group at County Buildings, Ayr on 1st
October 2003. The Charter represents a commitment to co-operation between the partners
and continuous improvement for road users and residents in Ayrshire.
Vehicles Using Other Routes
If you see timber vehicles using routes other than those shown on the map, please
let us know. Email Neil Sheddon.
Requesting A Leaflet
Email Neil Sheddon to request a copy of the
A.T.T.G. Publicity Leaflet or make any other comments relating to Timber Transport
in Ayrshire.