Mark Whitehead 29 May 2018

Council chiefs demand more powers to tackle problem lorry drivers

Council leaders have demanded new powers to stop lorry drivers causing damage to roads by ignoring weight restrictions.

They say the police often lack the resources to enforce restrictions on the weight, height or width of vehicles that are banned from minor roads.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says powers already given to councils in Wales should be extended to the rest of the country.

It says between 2011 and 2016, the number of fines for ignoring restrictions has fallen by a third despite an increase in the number of heavy goods lorries, while villages and rural communities have suffered huge disruption.

The LGA wants councils to be able to issue fines to any heavy haulage lorry driver who ignores road restrictions and says the money collected could be used to tackle the nation’s £9.3bn pothole backlog.

LGA transport spokesman Martin Tett said: 'If a community is being plagued by problems at an accident blackspot, councils should be able to respond to their concerns by issuing fines to act as a deterrent.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Administrative Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
Are you organised, proactive, and great at building relationships? Do you enjoy keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes? This is your chance Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £28,598
We’re expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team in County Durham and currently have one 26-hour over 4 days, 32.5 Hours at our Chester-le-street Barnard Castle
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher- SENCO

Durham County Council
£32,916- £45,352
Class Teacher- SENCO M1-M6 + TLR2b (£5,869) £32,916- £45,352 (+£5,869) Permanent, Full Time Required to start September 2026   Framwellgate Moor Prima Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916
Classroom Teacher M1 (£32,916) Full time - Fixed Term contract until 31st August 2027 Required to start 1st September 2026 pending DBS clearance.   Th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Building Repairs and Minor Works Technician

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. Grade 7
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an office based role, Building Repairs & Minor Works Technicians, to join our existing Repairs and Maintenance Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner