As the BBC reports, Buckinghamshire Council is trialing new 7.5-ton weight limits on roads in Cheddington, Mentmore, Wingrave, Long Marston and Ivinghoe. The move is intended to stop HGV drivers using the roads as a shortcut.
Steven Broadbent, Conservative cabinet member for transport, is quoted as saying the zone “will help to reduce the impact of HGVs on the community, and address concerns about road safety and air quality in the area.”
However, lorries will still be able to use the roads for “commercial or residential needs” according to the council.
Meanwhile, Sefton Council has become one of the latest local authorities to consider adding a clear air zone to charge older HGVs for entry.
“The health and wellbeing of our residents is our main priority and air pollution is a growing public health concern, particularly for our most vulnerable residents. For this reason, we are currently exploring a number of air quality improvement options as outlined in the feasibility study including a Sefton Clean Air Zone (CAZ). CAZs are ultimately designed to cut pollution and encourage people to drive less polluting vehicles, including electric and low emission vehicles,” says Sefton Council, commenting on its CAZ feasibility study.
It is said that the proposals would see non-compliant HGVs (Euro 5 and older) pay an as yet unknown fee to enter the zone.
The news comes as Sheffield’s CAZ entered into force this week. The introduction of the CAZ means HGVs and coaches that are not Euro VI will be subject to £50 charges.
Further restrictions are also coming to Southend. Reports in the local press state that Southend Council is preparing to introduce restrictions to prevent HGVs from driving up Nobles Green Road.
Commenting on the proposals, Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Collins said:
“In Nobles Green Road there are some Edwardian cottages built in the 1910s that are physically being shaken by passing lorries. Residents are concerned for the safety of themselves and of course for school children with Heycroft Primary School nearby.”
A 58-year old resident living on the affected street also told the local press:
“For so long now these massive and loud lorries have blocked up the road arounds here causing problems for us. Extending these restrictions will finally stop lorry drivers from treating our small and usually quiet roads as shortcuts when the main road gets jammed up.”
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