FULL marks to PC Fletcher for confirming a crackdown by the police on drivers of vehicles breaking the 7.5-tonne weight limit on the Lacock roads that run between the A350 and Sandy Lane on the A342.
The Lacock community is experiencing a big increase in the numbers of overweight HGVs with capacities up to 44 tonnes and large farm tractors towing either trailers or manure spreaders, or alternatively carrying machinery directly attached to them, also with capacities well over 7.5 tonnes.
The speed at which the greater majority of these vehicles, and other motorists using this route as a cut-through, travel is also a very real concern to local residents.
I agree that it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. along this route. Of particular concern for pedestrians and locals are the narrow sections of the bridge over the river Avon and the narrow section of road to Bewley Crescent and beyond to the top of Bowden Hill. The whole length of this section of the route has no footpath!
Apart from endangering pedestrians, all this daily traffic, in particular the illegal overweight vehicles, are having a damaging effect on the road surface, verges and drainage.
Also not to be overlooked are the ever-increasing numbers of tourist coaches, some carrying up to 100 passengers, that are using this route to access Lacock. In my opinion these should be directed through Chippenham by signs added to the 7.5-tonne weight limit signs already in place at A342 junctions.
Hopefully this, along with better signage highlighted by the police, plus their crackdown on these overweight vehicles by the issuing of fines and points on drivers’ licences if they are caught breaking the weight limit or speeding, will have the desired effect, before a serious accident occurs.
P GLEN
Bowden Hill