Order puts Orford on the banned wagon trail (From Warrington Guardian)

Order puts Orford on the banned wagon trail

RESIDENTS living near a busy Orford road have been granted a temporary break from the rumbling of heavy lorries after the borough council imposed a trial ban on heavy goods vehicles.

The temporary ban on HGVs along Long Lane to Orford Green came into force last Wednesday as part of an experimental traffic regulation order.

A study will then be carried out to assess the success of the ban.

The council will then consider the study, with a view to amending HGV restrictions along the route.

Residents raised the issue with councillors because of the effects that increased HGV activity was having on homes near the road, as well as the increasing danger to pedestrians.

High on their list of reasons for the ban are the narrow footways along the route, which incorporates two schools - William Beamont High School and St Margaret's Primary School.

Residents living next to the road have also complained of unacceptable noise levels and vibration both day and night.

In a bid to address the issues, the traffic order forbids vehicles weighing in excess of seven and a half tonnes from using the Long Lane-Orford Green route from the roundabout junction at Winwick Road and the Hilden Place roundabout.

Bob Rimmer, assistant engineer for traffic management and safety at the borough council, said: "It is proposed to carry out initial observations, but then let the measure settle down during the two months up to the New Year.

"After the holiday period, further surveys of HGV movements in the area will be carried out in preparation for presenting a report on whether to promote a permanent restriction or not."