Wiltshire Council targets HGV operators flouting weight limits

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 12:31 · Archive

Wiltshire Council is working to identify HGV operators who repeatedly breach weight restrictions in Malmesbury.

Wiltshire Council has indicated it will work with enforcement partners to target HGV operators who repeatedly breach weight restrictions in Malmesbury town centre. The historic town has a 7.5 tonne weight limit, but residents have complained about large lorries passing through with pedestrians and buildings at risk.

Campaigner Jeffrey Manton described the scenes as 'pandemonium' and accused the council of years of inaction. He said vehicles pass homes and pedestrians with only inches to spare. He highlighted an incident in 2021 when an HGV struck his Grade II listed home, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said the authority is 'working closely with our enforcement partners on a more coordinated approach'. He explained that resident reports would help 'build an intelligence picture', with repeated breaches potentially leading to referral to the Traffic Commissioner. The council stressed that taking action relies heavily on the quality of evidence residents provide.

How it is being reported

• Repeat offenders could be targeted in crackdown on lorriesHGV operators repeatedly flouting restrictions could be targeted in a Wiltshire town.Wiltshire Times · 19 Oct, 11:36
• Repeat offenders could be targeted in crackdown on lorriesHGV operators repeatedly flouting restrictions could be targeted in a Wiltshire town.Swindon Advertiser · 19 Oct, 11:36
• Repeat offenders could be targeted in crackdown on lorriesHGV operators repeatedly flouting restrictions could be targeted in a Wiltshire town.Gazette & Herald · 19 Oct, 11:36

In this story: Malmesbury · Wiltshire Council · Jeffrey Manton · Martin Smith

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