Residents say 150 HGVs a day using weight-restricted Melton Mowbray road
Residents say 150 HGVs a day are using a weight-restricted road in Melton Mowbray as police pledge to address the issue.
It was hoped that the new Pork Pie Way would funnel traffic away from the town centre but in the last few weeks locals have witnessed countless lorries and trucks passing daily in both directions along Burton Road, which has a 7.5-tonne weight restriction.
An action groups of residents has been formed to stop HGVs using the road, with support from Melton borough councillors Allen Thwaites, Sharon Butcher and Alison Freer, plus Leicestershire county councillor Andrew Innes.
Councillor Thwaites told the Melton Times: “Local residents David Loasby and David Curran estimate that over 150 HGVs, above the legal weight limit, continue to use Burton Road every day, passing homes 24 hours a day.
“While vehicles making local deliveries are exempt from the restriction, residents believe many drivers are simply ignoring the clearly displayed signs at the Burton Lazars entrance to the town.
“Drivers also seem to ignore or miss the signs at Thorpe End which should direct HGV’s around the inner ring road.
“This means they then travel through town and out via Burton Road or Leicester Road.”
Householders have been reporting suspected breaches of the weight restriction through County Hall’s online reporting system, submitting photographs, registration numbers and other requested information – one resident, alone, has submitted more than 30 reports, with many others doing the same.
“Residents hope the information being collected will assist police in taking enforcement action against drivers who are unlawfully using the route and discourage repeat offending,” added Councillor Thwaites, who is a ward member for Melton Warwick, along with Councillor Freer.
"Residents say the continued use of Burton Road by large lorries is creating unnecessary noise, vibration and safety concerns, despite the bypass being specifically designed to divert through traffic away from the town.”
The evidence being gathered by the concerned householders also shows that the issue extends beyond Burton Road – lorries have been spotted continuing through the town centre or travel along routes, including Norfolk Drive and Victoria Street, where signs have been removed.
Residents would like to see larger and more prominent directional signs at the Burton Road roundabout and prior to the Thorpe End junction, clearly directing HGVs over 7.5 tonnes towards the bypass and inner ring road, unless they require legitimate local access.
Police say they will carry out an operation to engage with HGV drivers and reinforce the weight-restriction on Burton Road.
Officers want to get further evidence on whether signage could be improved, if satellite navigation systems are guiding drivers inadvertently and if there any issues using the bypass.
“The information gathered will help ensure that any future action is evidence-based and focused on achieving long-term improvements for both residents and those who use the road network professionally every day,” Melton Police posted on their Facebook page.
Some residents have also flagged up concerns about 'A1 South Diversion' road signs on busy Melton roads are causing HGVs to head into the town centre rather than using the new Pork Pie Way.
A Leicestershire County Council highways told the Melton Times: “The signs relate to National Highways work. We’re in conversation with them to update signage asap to include Pork Pie Way in the diversion.”