Experimental an on A605
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
. by Ian Wyk
Cumbria County Council is to impose a lorry ban on the congested town of Kirkby Stephen from the end of the November, adding 21 miles to HGV drivers' journeys.
The council is planning an experimental" ban on trucks exceeding 18 tonnes on a 16mile stretch of the crossPennine A685 between Brough and Tebay.
However, there will he a three-category permit system for hauliers who have businesses within the banned zone, hauliers who make regular deliveries to the area and hauliers making one-off deliveries. The permits will be issued free of charge.
Because of regulations on the transport of live animals, livestock trucks will also be exempt from the ban. Up to 800 trucks, including a large number of Asda vehicles, go through the town each day.
According to Ed Noble, senior engineer in the council's design services department, the experimental order—which follows a public consultation in January—can last up to 18 months under the terms of the Road Traffic Regulations Act.
We appreciate that the ban will inconvenience drivers and the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association are unhappy about it, but we wanted to see if the ban would work and we are encouraging hauliers to get in touch with us and tell us," he says.
• The first permits are expected to be issued within the next couple of weeks and Noble says hauliers should contact him on 01768 242334 or 01768 242322.