WESTBURY’S Lorry Watch scheme turned one year old last month, and is proud of having seen illegal traffic reduced by over two- thirds.
The group, who monitor traffic using the bridge on Station Road, now record an average of just two heavy goods vehicles a day, a big drop from the seven they recorded daily at the start.
Town councillor David Jenkins began the Lorry Watch after concern about haulage firms breaking the 7.5 tonne weight limit on the Station Road bridge.
Cllr Jenkins said, “It is a success, definitely! Since starting the Watch last year we have seen the number of HGVs crossing the bridge fall from an average of seven an hour to just two. This is excellent news because getting that number down was the whole reason we started.
“As I understand from Wiltshire Council there have been several prosecutions, and will be more to follow.
“We began after a number of complaints from local people, and we rely entirely on them volunteering to help us. Progress is being made; however the scheme relies upon volunteer observers who can help at anytime. It’s disappointing that despite the number of residents who requested a scheme like this, only two residents have come forward to help.
“The existing observers are doing a great job and must be given credit for the work and support they give, but we’d like more people to get involved. More volunteer observers will make the scheme even more effective.
“There is no minimum time commitment and it’s very simple work.
“Large and heavy vehicles cause congestion and noise pollution, and signposts clearly state that the weight limit is 7.5T.
“Volunteers and local residents are needed to note details and any other information of these vehicles so that they can be recorded via a local coordinator and sent on to Wiltshire Council.”
Westbury’s Lorry Watch notes details of heavy vehicles crossing the bridge and relay them to Wiltshire Council, who take preventative and if necessary legal action against haulage companies who disobey the rules.
Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they wish. If you would like to get involved, contact David on 01373 823605 or e-mail david jenkins53@hotmail.com.
Pictured: Cllr David Jenkins and local resident Kathy Scott.
