North Somerset weight restrictions provoke outcry
Date: 18 July 2007
A measure to introduce weight restrictions on the A368 and B3134 roads in Somerset that will cause problems for haulage firms has caused an outcry among various groups.
The North Somerset county council (NSCC) has decided to implement a trial weight restriction on these two roads between Churchill and West Harptree, despite facing opposition from a long list of organisations.
They are Somerset county council, Bath and North-East Somerset council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association.
The FTA notes that the measure could be dangerous, because haulage drivers may be forced to turn back in an area where there are no safe turning points. The first drivers would know about the restriction would be when they arrived at the border, meaning they would either have to break the law and continue or perform an unsafe turning manoeuvre.
FTA policy manager for the south-west, Ian Gallagher, commented: "I find it amazing that against all advice NSCC will proceed with this proposal.
"The consistent message which has been made at every opportunity by industry is that to continue to proceed with these proposals in light of the overwhelming objections is not only folly, but also dangerous."
User Comments
No Comments