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| 'Rat-run' truck drivers facing fines |
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| Written by Jimbo | |
| Friday, 23 April 2010 | |
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DRIVERS of heavy goods vehicles have been warned they face being fined if they continue to use a road dubbed a "rat-run". The warning comes after a resident took this picture of a Keyline vehicle in Falcon Road, Hartlepool, despite a ban by council chiefs.
Council vehicles are also restricted from using the road, which is one of three access routes to the Bishop Cuthbert and Middle Warren estate, in a bid to reduce the volume of traffic. The ban on HGVs over 7.5 tonnes was brought in around May last year, and the only exemption is those vehicles making deliveries in Falcon Road. Bosses at Keyline have told drivers not to use the road unless they are making a delivery. Any drivers caught flouting the ban face a £30 fixed penalty notice. Jen Culley, a married mum-of-two, took the picture and she wants to see the road closed. The 56-year-old housewife said: "We get HGVs using this road two or three times a day as a through road to the other side of the estate. "It is very difficult to police as you can't expect officers to wait in the road until one comes along. "The only way to solve it is to close the road on safety grounds." A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: "We are certainly aware of the problem and Mrs Culley has been in touch with us about it. "Traffic enforcement falls within the jurisdiction of the police and we have been drawing the problem to their attention. "We have also contacted a number of the firms, whose heavy lorries have been seen using the road, to ask them to obey the restrictions." Sergeant Dave Allen, of Cleveland Police's road policing unit, said: "HGVs should always abide by traffic signs and find alternative routes where there are restricted roads. "Police will rigorously enforce any traffic legislation and impose penalties on those flouting the law." So far, no tickets have been issued but warnings and advice has been given. In June 2008, councillors decided to close the road but it was reconsidered after a number of residents living elsewhere on the estate strongly objected. The council recently approved plans to install traffic calming measures in Falcon Road, Moorhen Road, Lapwing Road and Merlin Way. A report will then go back to cabinet members to see what affect it has had on the volume of traffic. Andrew Harrison, managing director of Keyline Builders' Merchants, said: "We thank the readers of the Mail for bringing this to our attention. Keyline is proud to be a part of the local business community and will continue to work with local residents to ensure we remain a good neighbour. "Our drivers have been instructed to now not use Falcon Road unless they are delivering to the area." Mr Harrison asked any residents with similar concerns to contact branch manager Dave Millward on (01429) 861166. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 23 April 2010 ) |
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