Local News · Swindon
Swindon residents push for crackdown on inconsiderate HGV parking
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Council officials are facing pressure to address ongoing concerns regarding HGVs parking on grass verges and in residential areas across Swindon.
Growing concerns over the impact of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) parking in residential streets have prompted calls for stricter enforcement from Swindon Borough Council. Residents across the town have reported mounting issues, including damage to grass verges, oil leaks, and the unauthorised use of neighbourhoods as overnight HGV bases.
Councillor Gayle Cooke recently raised the issue at a full council meeting, seeking clarity on the current enforcement powers available to the local authority. She specifically questioned how the council intends to tackle HGV drivers who leave their vehicles in residential areas for prolonged periods, potentially causing environmental harm through oil contamination or destruction of public land.
In response, Councillor Nick Gardiner, cabinet member for highways and transport, explained that the council is pursuing a measured and evidence-led approach to the problem. He highlighted an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order currently being trialled in North Swindon, which is set to run until October 2026. This trial is intended to help the authority better understand the impact of various parking behaviours before considering wider changes.
Cllr Gardiner acknowledged the validity of residents' concerns but noted that there is no blanket prohibition on HGVs parking in residential streets. He clarified that enforcement measures depend heavily on the specific circumstances of each incident, including existing local restrictions and whether a vehicle is classified as over 7.5 tonnes, which carries stricter rules regarding pavement and verge parking.
The council outlined several potential avenues for enforcement:
Waiting restrictions: Enforcing existing parking bylaws on public highways.
Police intervention: Reporting instances of serious obstruction or dangerous parking directly to Wiltshire Police.
Operator licensing: Referring cases to national licensing authorities where a residential area appears to be used systematically as an operating base for haulage businesses.
For areas like Wanborough Road, near the White Hart roundabout, which has been described by locals as a hotspot for both HGV parking and commuter rat-running, the council has indicated it is actively investigating solutions to bring about changes as soon as possible.
The council has advised residents that identifying the land owner is a critical first step when reporting a problem. Where a verge is part of the public highway, reports should be directed to the council's highway maintenance team. If the land is a public open space or part of a housing estate, residents are encouraged to contact the relevant landowner or service area to ensure the issue is directed to the appropriate department for action.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original