Large Goods Vehicles: Rural Areas
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of heavy goods vehicles travelling through villages on (a) traffic and (b) pollution.
Answered by Lilian Greenwood
I recognise that heavy goods vehicles (HGV) can have negative safety and environmental impact on villages, particularly where roads and pavements are narrow.
Local traffic authorities have powers under Sections 1 & 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which allow for the restriction or prohibition of the use of HGVs on any road, for a wide range of safety and environmental reasons. These measures can be implemented by making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) without reference to the Department for Transport.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 provide various signs for authorities to consider if they choose to do this, including signs informing motorists that certain roads are unsuitable for HGVs or if a weight limit is in place. The restrictions are then enforceable by the police.
Local authorities can also introduce extra controls on emissions if there are air quality problems in their area. If air quality falls below required standards, the council should declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and make plans for improvements.
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