Kentish Express Ashford & District
Opposition to plans for heavier vehicles on county’s roads
Councillors say scheme is ‘slippery slope’
Councillors have slammed government plans to allow heavier lorries on UK roads.
Ministers have proposed to increase the maximum amount of goods that a lorry can carry from 44 tonnes to 48 tonnes in a four-year trial. This would be restricted to HGVs whose cargo will also need to be transported by boat or rail.
The Department for Transport said freight travel within the UK would become more “efficient” with fewer lorries on the country’s roads. It would also support the movement of goods by ferry and rail.
A trial for Kent, if approved, would cover a route of up to 50 miles, with locals authorities receiving up to £500,000 of grant cash.
However, Kent County Council’s transport committee strongly opposed the ‘Trojan Horse’ plan last week.
Cllr Sean Holden (Con), the committee chair, told the panel
of councillors: “In whose interest is this being put forward? It sure as hell it is not in the interest of our rural communities.”
In 1993, Prime Minister John Major’s Conservative government consulted to increase the weight of lorries to the current maximum of 44 tonnes, for goods being carried to and from the country by rail.
But, this was extended to all HGV road journeys by the 2000s.
Green Party group leader Cllr Martin Whybrow warned a similar “slippery slope” situation could occur with the proposed trial, saying the council needed to firmly object to the idea.
Cllr David Brazier (Con) said: “In a very short-time 48 tonne lorries will be everywhere.
“It will make a bad situation worse.”
If the trial came to Kent, Cllr Anthony Hook (Con) said lorries should be told to avoid narrow country lanes and residential roads in towns and villages.
However, Cllr Rory Love (Con) said he was “reluctant” to object to the proposal.
He said: “If we are going to be able to block these heavy lorries, or any lorries from some of the rural roads, then I think we need information as to exactly how such a scheme would work.”
KCC highways boss, Cllr Michael Payne (Con), said he was “unconvinced” by the scheme but added: “I believe we should say no to a trial in Kent. However, we do want to see informed debate. Trials in other parts of the country could inform a way it works in the county.”
Further details will be provided by the DfT following KCC’s written objection.