Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Malmesbury residents urged to report illegal HGVs using town centre streets
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Malmesbury Town Council is calling on locals to document and report heavy lorries using restricted town centre routes despite the availability of a bypass.
Residents in Malmesbury are being encouraged to gather evidence against heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that continue to drive through the town centre, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and the protection of historic buildings. The town council has launched a renewed appeal for the public to capture photographic or dashcam footage of lorries flouting local weight restrictions.
The town centre, which includes areas such as Market Cross and Gloucester Road, is currently subject to a 7.5-tonne weight limit. This restriction excludes vehicles that require access, but the council reports that sat-nav systems and drivers often ignore the nearby bypass, opting to drive through the narrow historic streets instead.
Mayor Cllr Robert Hastings stated that the town's infrastructure was not designed to accommodate massive freight vehicles. He emphasised that there is no valid reason for HGVs to use these routes when a purpose-built bypass is available.
The local authority is now directing concerned residents to use the National Dash Cam Safety Portal to report suspected offenders to Wiltshire Police. Additionally, the town council is requesting that copies of this evidence be emailed to them at administration@malmesbury.gov.uk to help build a clearer picture of repeat offenders.
This campaign follows long-standing grievances from local residents. One resident, Jeffrey Manton, has previously highlighted the persistent nature of the issue, citing an incident from 2021 where he alleges his Grade II listed home sustained significant damage after being struck by an HGV.
Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Martin Smith, confirmed that consistent reporting by the public is vital. He noted that such evidence helps authorities compile a stronger intelligence profile, which can lead to further investigations or formal referrals to the Traffic Commissioner.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original