Usk sets up Lorry Watch A LORRY WATCH scheme has
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been launched in the Welsh town of Usk (above) after complaints from residents about LGVs using its narrow streets. However, the consultant overseeing the scheme admitted that its army of 20 volunteers would not know if a lorry was legitimately delivering to businesses in the town and it would be up to his company to contact firms and find out.
Trucks over 7.5-tonnes are banned from the south-east Wales town unless they are making deliveries. But residents have complained that LGVs are using Usk and the A472 as a short cut and they are prepared to snoop on drivers and report them.
Tony Freeman, director at training firm APF (UK) and Lorry Watch project manager, said the town had a problem with pollution levels and other methods of diverting LGVs were considered first. However, he said the emphasis was on compliance and education and hauliers would receive a warning letter before prosecution was considered.
Monmouthshire Council cabinet member for county operations Bryan Jones said: "If the number of lorries illegally travelling through the town is as high as some believe, the Lorry Watch scheme will provide support to Gwent Police to ensure the order is observed."