Detour 'costs millions'
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by Den-en Hayes • Hauliers could have to pay more than £1m a year if environmental groups win their battle to stop a bypass being built and get weight restrictions imposed on a major road through a Cumbrian town.
The Freight Transport Association says if plans to build a bypass around the Cumbrian town of Kirkby Steven are rejected by the council it would cost local hauliers £1.5m a year.
Two environmental groups are objecting to the plans on the grounds it would create more traffic rather than relieve congestion. They are calling for a 7.5-tonne weight limit on all roads in and around the town including the A685— a major freight route to the north east and Cumbria.
The bypass would form part of the A685 linking junction 38 of the M6 with the A66 at Brough.
The FTA say if the bypass is refused and restrictions imposed the quickest route would involve a 23-mile detour.
Currently 700 LGVs cut through Kirkby Stephen every day but if restrictions were imposed only those delivering to the town would have access.
The restrictions would be enforced by cameras photographing all vehicles over the allowed weight. A permit scheme could also be introduced.
County Durham-based Co-op Wholesale Society delivers to Barrow in Furness via the A685 10 times a week. If weight limits were introduced they calculate it would cost it an extra £20,000 a year in man hours and fuel.
FTA northern regional officer Jonathan James says: "To do nothing will result in increasing congestion and an LGV restriction would impose unacceptable costs to industry."
The inquiry into the bypass is due to finish next week with a decision set for Easter.