HGV 7.5 TONNE WEIGHT RESTRICTION ZONE

Eaton Bray & Totternhoe Parish Councils have pleasure in announcing that the 7.5 tonne weight restriction zone for Eaton Bray, Totternhoe and Edlesborough signage and roadworks have now almost been completed. You may have noticed some of the signage at the zone entrance points.

It has been a long time from those initial consultation days almost 2 years ago but we are finally there. The key thing, once all the signage has been installed is to report those who breach the restrictions.

It's worth noting that;

1) Vehicles that require access to any point within the zone have the right to travel in the area.

2) Public service vehicles, such as buses and coaches are permitted in the zone.

3) Farm vehicles are permitted to use the zone provided it is for access to/from the required access point.

4) Delivery lorries, providing their destination address is in the zone are permitted.

Any other large vehicle over 7.5 tonnes in weight that does not require specific access to/from a property in the zone, such as hardcore trucks from local quarries are NOT permitted .

6) Those businesses who have HGV vehicles and operate from our villages ARE permitted to take the shortest route in and out of the zone.

What is NOT permitted:

1) Any vehicle over 7.5 tonnes using the village roads as a shortcut to/from the A5/A4146.

2) Tipper trucks from the lime works and quarries.

3) HGV training vehicles

How do you tell whether a vehicle is over 7.5 tonnes?
- Good question.

As a rule - ALL articulated vehicles (towing a large trailer and have more than 4 wheels) are more than 7.5 tonnes.

Very large delivery lorries.

What do you do if you spot a large vehicle in the zone?

In the first instance and in these early days, report it to Central Bedforshire Highways who will review and write to the owner of the vehicle highlighting the new restrictions. It's important to get the registration mark of the vehicle and if possible the branding of the vehicle owner. You can also take a photo with your phone if you have one with you. You can call the Highways team on 0300 300 8049 or email [email protected] .

It's worth noting that the Edlesborough part will take a little longer as CBC are working with BCC but will get actioned in the coming week or two as part of the whole programme.

The SatNav companies have also all been informed but will take a little time to deploy out in their updates so we'll need to be patient on this.

Hopefully, this will see an improvement in the safety on our village roads and help maintain the road surface, too. However it will only succeed with your continued support by reporting those vehicles that continuously breach the restriction.

EBPC & TPC would very much like to thank all those who have helped and supported to get this initiative completed for our villages.