Police called to HGVs illegally driving through Westbury

HGVs have been seen illegally pushing their way through a Wiltshire town despite weight restrictions.

The police incident comes after the A350 has been closed in Westbury for gas infrastructure upgrades, causing vehicles to seek out alternative routes.

Vehicles have been advised to use an official diversion route via the A361 through Southwick and Beckington, followed by the A36 up to Upton Scudamore.

However, several HGVs have been ignoring the 7.5 tonne weight limit put on both The Mead and Bitham Pask to prevent the heavy vehicles from using these routes.

According to Wiltshire Council, more police officers are now being stationed on these roads to enforce the weight restrictions. Transport companies have also been contacted to remind HGV drivers of the restrictions in place in Westbury.

Multiple HGV drivers have been seen ignoring the ban (Image: Getty) A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said: "We are in close contact with Wales and West Utilities and Wiltshire Police to try to alleviate any disruption.

"Signage is in place at strategic locations on main routes in the area to give plenty of early warning to HGV drivers to follow the diversion and avoid the area."

Anyone who witnesses a HGV breaching the weight restriction has been encouraged to take a photo or video of the incident and report it to Wiltshire Police.

The A350 closure will continue in Westbury until Friday, August 29, and is part of a gas upgrade project worth £140,000.

The project will see the installation of new pipes that will last longer, meaning they are less likely to leak, and they will be able to transport greener gas, such as hydrogen or biomethane, in the future.

The recommended diversion route (Image: Wiltshire Council) Although the road closure will see long-term improvements, the announcement of the closure comes just weeks after South West Wiltshire’s MP Dr Andrew Murrison renewed calls for changes to traffic through Westbury.

Earlier this year, Dr Murrison told the Wiltshire Times that a newly-proposed HGV corridor along the A350 "can't work" without plans for a bypass for Westbury.

“Westbury needs a western bypass urgently. The M4-Dorset Coast Study is central to achieving it," he said.

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for Highways, said: “We understand this closure will cause disruption, but it’s vital to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the gas network in Westbury.

“We’ve worked closely with Wales & West Utilities to minimise the impact as much as we can and maintain access for both residents and Market Place shoppers, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during this essential work.”