Local MP Blake Stephenson is pushing for more action to be taken to prevent HGVs ignoring restrictions on local rural roads across his Mid Bedfordshire constituency.
Since his election last year, Blake has heard from a number of residents and parish councils frustrated by the number of HGVs which are failure to adhere to rules preventing them from using certain rural roads.
He has already raised this with Ministers in Parliament and has now written to both Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council suggesting the use of noise cameras to catch any rule breakers in the act so action can be taken.
In his letter, Blake said: "Since my election I have been involved in numerous discussions throughout Mid Bedfordshire about the lack of enforcement of HGV restrictions, and I appreciate just how difficult it can be for the police to enforce these – with complicated rules set by Westminster meaning they have to catch errant HGVs in the act.
"But whilst the ongoing scourge of HGV drivers ignoring restrictions is allowed to continue, there remains an elevated road safety risk and negative impacts on the quality of life of residents throughout rural Mid Bedfordshire. Time and again, I hear from residents about the impact that HGVs are having on our rural communities and our rural lanes.
"And I am keen that we work together to explore practical solutions. Recognising budget constraints at both councils, would you be willing to consider the use of noise cameras as an effective deterrent to help identify inappropriately sized vehicles using our country lanes?"
