Westerfield level crossing safety scheme: Parking and loading regulation order consultation

Suffolk County Council proposes to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ and ‘no loading/unloading at any time’ restrictions onto portions of Westerfield Road (B1077) on either side of the Level Crossing to facilitate the safe and smooth operation of vehicle traffic, particularly when vehicle traffic has grown, waiting for rail services to pass over the Level Crossing. Officers on site, including representatives from Network Rail and Suffolk Police, have witnessed the ‘blocking back’ of vehicles over the level crossing with some even being stationary due to parked vehicles obstructing the highway. These incidents are the cause of serious concern from Network Rail and shared with Suffolk Police and Suffolk County Council.

Exemptions to the restrictions shall allow a vehicle to wait for so long to board and alight; for emergency services; and for the maintenance of the road or its services. Statutory undertakers are exempt only for emergency works. Post office vehicles are also exempt. Blue badge-holders are not exempt.

Copies of the draft order, map showing the roads affected and the Council’s reasons for the proposals, may be seen with advance notice at the address below, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday; also at Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3DE Monday, Wednesday, Thursday:  9am-6pm, Tuesday and Friday:  9am-7pm, Saturday:  8:30am-5pm, Sunday:  10am-4pm.

Objections and any other representations relating to these proposals, specifying the grounds on which they are made, must reach Rhea Philip (Suffolk County Council Legal Services) at the address below or at rhea.philip@suffolk.gov.uk no later than 27 February 2026. Please note that any such correspondence cannot be regarded as confidential and may be inspected by any interested party.

General enquires can be sent to transport.schemes@suffolk.gov.uk or Customer Services at customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk or by calling 0345 603 1842.