Anger at HGV lorries using narrow roads as ‘rat runs’ – hundreds …
There are calls to limit lorries driving on narrow lanes in Sussex (Image: Lewes Greens)
People have expressed their anger at HGV lorries using narrow roads as “rat runs”.
A petition was started for a “lorry route network” to encourage HGVs on to A roads[1] and away from narrow streets and residential areas.
It was signed by 400 people living in Ringmer, Lewes, Newhaven, Firle, Ditchling and many other towns and villages.
East Sussex[2] County Council received the petition in March and is now considering it.
The Argus: Residents protesting in Ringmer
Residents protesting in Ringmer (Image: Supplied)
Some 400 lorries pass through Ringmer each day which is “causing sheer misery for residents”.
Green Party councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate Emily O’Brien said: “While we all support our HGV drivers and welcome deliveries, too many HGVs are using our villages and towns as a rat run to get to other places.
“The county council report admits that Ringmer alone sees 400 lorries a day. That’s an HGV charging through a residential road with scarily narrow pavements every 3.5 minutes.
“The county council has only counted during working hours – in reality this is a major problem from the early hours of the morning. It is damaging air quality, exacerbating our pothole crisis and causing sheer misery for residents.”
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Residents said it feels “so dangerous” having lorries passing them on narrow pavements.
The Green Party said that the high level of traffic on the A27 is encouraging traffic to find back routes to their destinations.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “As few roads across the county are fully suitable for HGVs, the council’s current policy is that these vehicles should be able to use A and B roads across the network rather than be concentrated on a small number of selected roads.
“Restrictions have been put in place on some roads which are considered especially unsuitable for HGVs but it is important to note that, even with restrictions, HGVs are still able to use these roads if delivering to residential properties or businesses within that area.
“We are in the process of reviewing our Local Transport Plan, which will include the development of a freight strategy and consider whether any amendments are necessary to our policy for controlling HGVs or to the freight routing network for the county.
“We can confirm that the petition will be considered at the lead member for transport and environment meeting next week.”
References
- ^ “lorry route network” to encourage HGVs on to A roads (www.theargus.co.uk)
- ^ East Sussex (www.theargus.co.uk)