Residents urged to have say on new HGV plan

Westbury residents are being urged to have their say on new proposals for managing heavy goods vehicle traffic in the town.

Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation on its proposed Freight Action Plan, which sets out how freight and HGV traffic should be managed across the county.

For Westbury, the plan proposes keeping the A350 as a key strategic route for general through-traffic while introducing a designated local access route for HGVs travelling to the West Wilts Trading Estate.

The trading estate is one of the largest generators of freight traffic in Wiltshire, according to the council, despite not being located on an existing designated freight route.

Under the proposed local access route, HGVs approaching from the Yarnbrook direction would follow the A363 to the B3097 (Phillips Way) roundabout before heading south to Link Road. They would then access the trading estate via Quartermaster Road and Stephenson Road.

The proposed routing aims to keep freight traffic away from The Ham and Station Road and help ensure compliance with the weight limit and height restriction on the two Station Road railway bridges.

The wider plan aims to support the movement of goods while reducing the impact of freight traffic on communities, road safety and the environment.

It includes proposals to encourage HGVs to use appropriate routes, reduce the impact of freight on town centres and rural villages, support low and zero-emission vehicles and make better use of rail freight.

The consultation is open until Wednesday 23rd September, with residents, businesses, transport operators and community groups invited to give their views.

Wiltshire Council leader Cllr Ian Thorn said, “Freight traffic is an essential part of our economy and is vital for moving the goods and services we all rely on.

“However, we also know that freight traffic can have a significant impact on our towns and villages, which is why we have launched this new Freight Action Plan – to help reduce those impacts and ensure HGVs use the most appropriate routes.

“Your feedback will help to shape the final plan before it is adopted, so please do take the time to have your say.”

People can view the plan and take part in the consultation at wiltshirefreight.commonplace.is.