Traffic Calming Update – Phase 1 – Timeline of proposed roadworks
/in Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonThe implementation of the 20mph zone is referred to as “Phase 1”. It is intended that this work should be complete by Friday 7th November 2025 (so not to interfere with the Bonfire event), however this is subject to weather conditions and unforeseen events.
w/c 6 October 2025
- Communication including letter drop to all households with a detailed factsheet.
- Proceed with any enabling works e.g. removal of old signs.
- Finalise the design based on GPR survey.
From 13 October to 24 October 2025: Phased surfacing works.
- Vyse Road: from 13 to 15, and from 20 to 21 October.
- Howard Lane: 16 – 17 October.
Sections of surfacing will take place to facilitate the future installation of the cushions. That will happen in 2 separate stages: remove and rebuild the first (bottom) layer of 150mm to strengthen the base and let it cure for a few days, then rebuild the second and third layers of surfacing i.e. length of 12 m and depth of 120mm. Sacrificial surfacing will be laid between the 2 stages so anyone can have access to the properties in a safe manner until the final surfacing is laid.
From 30 October to 7 November 2025: phased installation of the speed cushions and road markings.
- Moulton Lane: 30 – 31 October.
- Howard Lane: 3 November.
- Vyse Road: from 4 to 6 November.
- Hymfreys Lane, Church Street, Butcher’s Lane: 7 November
w/c 10 November – Planned completion of the works i.e. Phase 1.
WNC’s objective is to complete the works outside the school during the half term break in October, whilst allworks of phase 1 may be complete by Friday 7th November 2025. If there are any delays, traffic management will be removed to ensure safe access to the village for Bonfire Night on 8th November and will be reinstated on Monday 10th November if necessary.
w/c 24 November 2025: installation of 2 Variable Activated Signs (VAS)
- Vyse Road: from 24 to 26 November.
- Moulton Lane: from 26 to 28 November.
In parallel, KIER will develop the preliminary and detailed design for the supplementary improvements for the implementation of Phase 2. These works will take place from early 2026. Once complete, WNC will resurface Vyse Road, Howard Lane, and Moulton Lane in Spring / Summer 2026.
The Parish Council will prepare an update about what “Phase 2” currently looks like but it is subject to change.
Traffic Calming Update – SIGNED Memorandum of Understanding
/in Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonFollowing the Council’s update on 29th September, the drawing referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was updated by reducing the number of 20mph roundels on the floor on Church Street, as it is in the Conservation Area.
At the extra-ordinary Parish Council meeting on 1st October 2025, the MOU and drawing “Boughton – DR – CH – 006, Rev P3” were approved and signed by the Parish Council and WNC. Please see copies below.
The Council will published a further post shortly, detailing the proposed road works to implement the 20mph zone.
Traffic Calming Update – Memorandum of Understanding to be signed with WNC
/in Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonAs detailed in the minutes of previous Council meetings:-
- WNC and Boughton Parish Council have been negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the traffic ameliorating scheme to be implemented in accordance with condition 25 of the NWRR planning permission.
- A draft of the Memorandum of Understanding is posted below.
- The drawing referred to in the Memorandum of Understanding “Boughton – DR – CH – 006, Rev P2” is also detailed below.
- A working group consisting of WNC, Kier and Boughton Parish Council meet at a design workshop and site walkover to discuss potential other improvements to the village. The finalised list of their discussions is currently under review and the Parish Council will provide an update at the next ordinary Parish Council meeting.
Proposed 20mph hour zone in Boughton Village
/in News, Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonAs Parishioners may be aware, WNC propose to decrease the speed limit in the village to 20mph. Please see the official notice and map below:
The Parish Council continue to liaise with WNC to agree a Memorandum of Understanding (as previously reported in the August 2025 minutes). Whilst the document is being finalised, a simple summary of what WNC have committed to is as follows:-
- Installing traffic count monitoring equipment to establish a baseline of activity prior to the NWRR opening
- Upon opening the road, monitor the traffic for 18 months. Data to be shared with BPC on a monthly basis with a meeting being held every 3 months with WNC.
- If traffic increases by more than 2.1% within 18 months of the NWRR opening, WNC will review the implemented scheme with Boughton Parish Council.
Traffic Calming Update (September 2025) – Traffic Amelioration – Update for Residents
/in Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonAs agreed at the last Parish Council meeting, the Council have set up a NWRR Working Group to liaise with representatives of WNC & Kier.
So far, the Working Group and WNC/Kier have met face to face on two occasions to discuss the traffic calming measures to be implemented prior to the NWRR opening.
The first meeting took place at WNC’s office for a detailed discussion of the options, this was followed up with a meeting walking around the village on 4th September.
A full update will be reported at the next Council meeting on Monday 15th September, 7pm at the Village Hall.
Traffic Calming Update (August 2025) – Traffic Amelioration – Update for Residents
/in News, Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonTraffic Amelioration – Update for Residents
The Parish Council would like to update residents on the ongoing discussions about traffic mitigation measures in Boughton following the opening of the Northampton North-West Relief Road (NWRR).
As part of the planning permission for the NWRR, Condition 25 requires that West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) consult with Boughton Parish Council to agree a scheme of measures to reduce the impact of traffic through our village.
Over a number of years, many different options have been considered. We are now left with two main possibilities:
- Option 1: Introducing a 20mph traffic zone in the village, supported by traffic calming measures such as speed cushions and road markings.
- Option 2: Closing Moulton Lane to through traffic, with appropriate access maintained for emergency vehicles.
A “do nothing” option was also put forward, but the Parish Council does not believe this is a credible response to the planning condition.
Following a parish-wide consultation in July 2025, in which 74% of residents supported a road closure, the Parish Council formally resolved to request Option 2. Our view is that a closure offers the clearest and most effective way of reducing through traffic and protecting the historic character of the village.
WNC, however, has expressed a preference for Option 1 (the 20mph zone). They have advised that emergency services object to a road closure, do not consider it deliverable and have vetoed our preferred option. Their proposal is to implement the 20mph zone and monitor traffic levels for an 18-month period, with a commitment to review the situation if volumes exceed agreed limits.
The Parish Council recognises that WNC are the ultimate decision-makers under planning law, but we also believe it is important that the strong and clear views of our community are respected. Independent legal advice confirms that WNC are not legally bound to adopt our preferred option but must consult with us to agree the detail. That said, we will continue to work constructively with WNC to ensure that the chosen measures are carefully monitored and that further action can be taken if the agreed scheme does not adequately protect the village.
Implementation and Monitoring
The NWRR will not be permitted to open until an agreed scheme of traffic calming is in place. To achieve the optimum design for the village wide calming measures the Parish Council has agreed to sit on a working group with the WNC engineers to agree the detail and design of this scheme.
To establish a clear baseline, WNC will be installing traffic counting apparatus from the time schools reopen in September. Traffic volumes will then be monitored regularly up to the opening of the NWRR and thereafter on a monthly basis. Updates will be provided so that residents can see the results of this monitoring.
In addition, Cllr Butler and the Director of Highways have agreed to meet with the Parish Council every three months to review progress.
Importantly, if the volume of traffic through the village increases by more than 2.1% per annum over the 18 months test period above the baseline figure, WNC has committed to revisit the parish preference of a road closure.
We would like to reassure residents that your views have been clearly communicated, supported by robust survey data and traffic modelling which show the significant benefits to Boughton and only limited impacts on neighbouring areas.
The Parish Council remains committed to seeking the best possible outcome for Boughton. We will continue discussions with WNC in a constructive spirit, whilst making sure that your concerns are heard and that safeguards are in place for a full review after 18 months.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contribute to surveys, meetings, and consultations. Your engagement has been essential in ensuring that the community’s voice is represented.
The Parish Council will provide an update on the upcoming “workshop” with WNC & Kier at the next Parish Council meeting on 15th September, 7pm at the Village Hall.
BPC response to WNC’s recommendation for traffic ameliorating options in respect of the NWRR
/in News, Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonWNC’s recommendation for traffic in respect of the NWRR
/in News, Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonTraffic Calming Update (August 2024) – When will the NWRR open?
/in News, Traffic Calming/by clerkboughtonThe Parish Clerk received an email from WNC’s Major Projects Manager stating:-
- WNC’s contractor Balfour Beatty will complete the construction of the Northampton North West Relief Road (NNWRR) by September 2024.
- Some planting activities will take place this Autumn as this will be planting season.
- WNC understand that Persimmon may have started some of their works and have programmed to complete in Spring / Summer 2025.
- WNC’s ability to open the mainline of the NNWRR will be subject to Persimmon’s progress.
- WNC have received the updated assessment of their traffic model which they hope to review by the end of September. So, they anticipate the next briefing to be either in October or November. (Note: this relates to the traffic calming measures to be implemented in Boughton parish)
In accordance the Parish Council’s resolution, the Parish Clerk made enquiries about the anticipated timescale between completion of construction and the road opening.
As this process is not managed by the Project Manager’s team, she could only provide general guidance based on standard practice in the UK (the process will be managed by WNC Highways Adoption Team and Persimmon):-
- it is a lengthy process over several weeks if not months
- Once Persimmon have completed their works i.e. the construction of their section of new road, WNC will have to be content:-
- this has been done in line with the granted permissions; and
- that an independent Road Safety Audit (RSA) has been undertaken with no critical issues being raised.
- This may be complete within 3 to 6 months following the completion of the works, unless Persimmon have to undertake some critical remedial works.
- If the above is complete in a satisfactory manner, the road may be open to the public. That may take another 3 months. However, WNC colleagues may agree with Persimmon that WNC should proceed with the adoption of the road built by Persimmon so it does become public highway, and then give access to the public.
The Project Manager doubted any more specific updates may be shared until Persimmon have completed their construction works of the new road in Spring / Summer 2025 and wanted to emphasise two issues:-
- Construction works are subject to existing site constraints, and unforeseen weather and ground conditions. Hence any unforeseen events that may arise may cause delays.
- WNC have no control over Persimmon’s construction works nor programme.