Councils are calling for new powers to issue fines to lorry drivers who drive recklessly through rural communities and cause damage to local roads.

 

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says authorities are taking lorry drivers who ignore weight restrictions in rural communities to court whenever possible.

 

But it adds that councils are being hampered by a claims system that is expensive, time consuming and bureaucratic, clogging up magistrates’ courts with work that could be done more effectively if authorities had powers to issue fines themselves.

 

“The actions of a minority of reckless lorry drivers inflicted on rural communities underline the need for councils to be given proper powers to deal with this increasing problem,” said LGA transport spokesman Peter Box. “If these drivers know they will face fines they will think twice about such selfish and irresponsible behaviour.”

 

He added: “We are calling for a streamlined system which allows councils to fine lorry drivers who persistently blight communities. Councils want to be able to respond to their residents’ concerns.”

 

The association also suggests that any surplus from fines after meeting enforcement costs could be used by councils to help tackle the pothole backlog in England and Wales.

 

Mr Box added: “We would stress that most lorry drivers are reputable and drive responsibly. These powers would be targeted at the minority who do not follow the law and drag the rest of the sector down. This is also about protecting the drivers’ safety as well as the safety of residents and other road users.”

 

The Road Haulage Association's infrastructure manager Chrys Rampley said that part of the problem of lorry drivers using routes they should not is down to poor signage and the use of inappropriate navigation aids. “Signage really needs attention; you can't say there is a restriction and not have anywhere for the vehicle to turn around. Drivers need prior warning.” But she added: “Drivers need to also make sure their sat navs are suitable for use by trucks.”

 

(Photo: John M and licensed for reuse under this Creative Common Licence)