News

Proposals to introduce a weight restriction on two roads in Somerset have been attacked by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) for ignoring the economic impact on operators in the county.

Two meetings involving North Somerset Council, the FTA, the Road Haulage Association and pressure group Transport Management for the Villages (TMTV) have been held since February to discuss the restrictions on LGVs using the A368 and the B3134 near Cheddar.

The trade associations have argued  that a weight restriction would be impracticable, not least because it would require 30-mile detours to make deliveries to Burlington Combe. They have also warned of the impact on shops, garages and farms in the area.

Ian Gallagher, FTA policy manager for the South-West, says: "By preventing LGVs from using the A368 it will push more vehicles through Cheddar. A natural conclusion will be that smaller operators can't compete with larger operators and will be forced out of business. Or operators will look to increase their costs, certainly with the increasing mileage they are being asked to cover."

Gallagher is also concerned about the likelihood of the council agreeing to an 'experimental order', which would circumvent the need to consult on the issue.

A North Somerset Council spokesman says the scrutiny panel will refer its recommendation to the executive member who will then come to a decision.

TMTV chairman Trevor Smallwood was unable to comment  as CM went to press.