The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned HGV drivers who ignore weight restrictions and drive recklessly, damaging infrastructure and put lives at risk after Councils call for more power impose fines.
With current reckless driving fines and charges having to go through the Magistrates’ courts, the LGA wants councils to be given civil enforcement powers to issue the fines themselves.
The call comes after a continuing number of complaints from heavy vehicle damage in rural areas, which most recently have included a lost lorry driver in a small Devon village crashed into 4 cottages and partially demolished a historical bride.
Recently the Herfordshire Police tweeted an image of an articulated lorry wedged under a low bridge in Walkern after it was led there by satnav.
‘Question: what is 50 feet long and unlikely to fit through the narrow streets of Walkern #satnavfail.’
‘The actions of a minority of reckless lorry drivers inflicted on rural communities underline the need for councils to be given proper powers to deal with this increasing problem. If these drivers know they will face fines they will think twice about such selfish and irresponsible behaviour.
‘Councils are doing everything they can to help their residents by taking rogue lorry drivers to court. However, it is a time-consuming, costly and bureaucratic process and there is no guarantee councils will even be able to recoup their prosecution costs.
‘We are calling for a streamlined system which allows councils to fine lorry drivers who persistently blight communities. Councils want to be able to respond to their residents' concerns.’