Al2 LGV overtaking ban comes a step nearer LORRIES COULD
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be prevented from overtaking on the Al2 in Essex after councillors voted in favour of the controversial measure.
At a meeting last week Essex County Council carried a motion requesting the Highways Agency introduce a pilot ban on two lanes of the road between Marks Tey and Boreham interchange.
County councillor Rodney Bass, who submitted the motion, said: "I am well aware of the frustrations felt by motorists from sitting behind a lorry as it slowly overtakes another, which in turn causes queues and highway congestion. This is not a gimmick or an attack on LGV drivers. It is a simple pilot scheme that has already gained support from Essex businesses and Suffolk County Council. "Let us also not forget that a restriction on LGV overtaking is nothing new; it is successfully practiced in other parts of the UK and across Europe," he added.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) said a similar overtaking ban on the M42 had shown no deterioration in journey reliability for LGVs.
However, FTA head of road network management policy Malcolm Bingham urged the council to exercise caution.
"We are always fearful of local initiatives taking over issues on the strategic road network," he said.