Traffic 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 15^th September, 7pm at the Village Hall.