‘It’s hell’: Residents speak out as lorries ignore A350 diversion

Local residents living on narrow residential streets say their daily lives have become chaotic and dangerous due to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) ignoring official diversion routes during the ongoing closure of the A350 for gas works.

The official diversion directs HGVs via the A361 and A36, but many drivers are instead cutting through streets like Bratton Road, causing major disruption and safety concerns.

Residents on Bratton Road say they were already experiencing problems on the road, but these issues have worsened significantly since the diversion began on 21st July.

Ray Bradfield, who lives on a narrow section of the road, said, “The terrace of houses I’m in is on a road so narrow you’ll see trucks with their wing mirrors just four inches away from my windows and those of my neighbours. It’s not uncommon for aerial dishes to have bits missing from being so close to passing vehicles, but the situation is now ridiculous because you’ve got some trucks putting their wheels up on the 18-inch pavement, which is all that separates us from the road.”

Walls and windows shake

Jacqueline Pringle, who also lives on a section of Bratton Road where the road narrows, said “It’s hell, pure hell. Since the closure, massive lorries have been mounting the pavement past our houses. I can’t even use my own front door, let alone park outside to unload shopping, even though I have a disabled badge.

“When you’re sitting in your house, the walls and windows shake from the traffic. I’ve now got cracks in my house and damage to the brickwork outside the front window.

“Traffic used to peak during rush hours and then quieten down during the day. Now it’s 24/7. I’ve been awake since four this morning because traffic goes past all night.

“If anyone comes to the front door, they’re taking their life in their hands – pizza delivery drivers, the postman, everyone hates it.”

Another resident, Lenny Young, spoke of a close call, “I was nearly hit by a truck coming from town towards Bratton. The road only has an 18-inch pavement outside our property, and his wheels were up on it.

“I opened my door to leave for work, and the truck’s wing mirror was heading straight for my head. I got inside quickly and slammed the door, but I was literally inches from being hit.”

The residents are calling for the diversion to be policed so that HGVs are not using the narrow roads. Ray said he has not seen any police enforcing the diversion since it came into effect.

Wiltshire Council has asked Wiltshire Police to increase their presence in the area to enforce the restrictions and are encouraging local people to report any breaches to the police.

Cllr Martin Smith said, “We want to thank everyone who has reported HGVs using roads in Westbury while the A350 is closed in the town for gas infrastructure upgrades, despite clear weight restrictions being in place.

“We are in close contact with both Wales and West Utilities and Wiltshire Police to try to alleviate any disruption. We have placed signage at strategic locations on the main routes in the area to give plenty of early warning to HGV drivers to follow the diversion and avoid the area.

“We have asked Wiltshire Police to increase their presence in the area to enforce the 7.5-tonne weight restrictions on Bitham Park and The Mead, and we have contacted transport companies to remind them of the restrictions that are in place.

“If people do spot any HGVs breaching the weight restrictions, we would encourage them to take a photo or video, where possible, and report it to Wiltshire Police.”