Plans are afoot to launch a lorry watch scheme for Westbury, after to concerns about heavy traffic crossing the Station Road bridge.

Wiltshire councillor David Jenkins is appealing for volunteers to start the project.

Cllr Jenkins, who represents Westbury North on Wiltshire Council, said signposts clearly stated there was a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the bridge, but heavy goods vehicles have ignored it.

He is now hoping to get about 20 volunteers to help replicate the success of the Bradford on Avon Lorry Watch group, which has contributed to about 30 prosecutions since setting up in 2011.

Once the scheme is running, any lorries breaking the limit would receive a warning letter from Trading Standards after a first crossing, but face prosecution for a second one.

Cllr Jenkins said: “It’s something that has built up over quite a while. I have continuously seen vehicles over the mandatory weight limit going over the bridge in both directions and it has got a bit ridiculous.

“It has been raised to me by several residents. So we conducted a survey that confirmed there was a problem and I made enquiries about setting up a lorry watch scheme.

“There are several schemes running throughout Wiltshire, including one in Bradford on Avon which has been very successful. It’s a road nuisance and these heavy vehicles are causing congestion and noise pollution.

“We need as many people as possible from the local community to observe the bridge and the vehicles using it.”

Volunteers can be involved on a flexible basis, using some of their available spare timeduring the week. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Cllr David Jenkins on 01373 823605 or email davidjenkins53@hotmail.com.