Council backs plan to ban certain vehicles from rural roads

Wiltshire Council has unanimously backed new vehicle weight limits which will effectively see certain petrol, diesel and electric vehicles banned from rural routes. The new scheme will introduce restrictions to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, with officials to explore whether ANPR cameras could enforce the new rule.

The motion was put forward by Councillor Philip Whitehead and Councillor Chrostoher Williams before passing unanimously at the full council meeting on July 22. The rule is set to stop Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) using routes which are unsuitable for their weight. But, the rule is likely to impact Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), which are usually classified as weighing between 7.5 and 17.5 tonnes.

The report claimed the new restrictions were designed to protect weak bridges and other vulnerable infrastructure from HGVs.

Councillor Whitehead said: “New technology allows us to put one camera at one end, one camera at the other end, record the time and if they’re not dropping off in the middle – which they’re allowed to do by law – you give that evidence to the police and they will prosecute.”

There are fears HGV drivers were using a narrow country lanes to shave just minutes on their journey time. Officials stressed that “careful consideration” would be given to re-route any vehicles affected by the new rule, ensuring they are moved onto roads that can handle heavy traffic.

Meanwhile, exemptions will be in place for vehicles legitimately making deliveries or collections within the restricted area. The rule will not be in place for emergency service and military vehicles as well as buses, coaches and other public service vehicles.

However, the motion report suggested the need for weight restrictions to “ensure public safety” in the region.

It read: “In Wiltshire, weight restrictions on public roads are essential for protecting infrastructure and ensuring public safety. These restrictions, typically applying to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, are categorized as either environmental or structural. Environmental restrictions aim to prevent road damage, protect the environment, manage congestion, and reduce risks to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

The motion stressed that enforcing the scheme would be "particularly challenging" as a result of the many exemptions which will be in place. However, they explained that mobile ANPR cameras could be deployed across the county.

The motion concluded: “Wiltshire Council resolves that the Highways Department work in collaboration with Wiltshire Police to develop and implement an effective enforcement mechanism for roads with weight restrictions.”