Banning HGVs from using A338 discussed at village meeting

PCC Philip Wilkinson joined Wiltshire Police assistant chief constable (ACC) David Minty, Danny Kruger MP, and local councillors to discuss practical measures to make the A338 safer.

This comes after a recent collision where a Home Bargains lorry narrowly missed a cottage and ended up in a ditch in Collingbourne Ducis.

Read more: Home Bargains lorry almost ploughs into picturesque thatched cottage

Concerns were raised about the suitability of the A338 for HGV vehicles and how drivers could be discouraged from taking the countryside route.

Possible deterrents included weight limits, charging a toll for using the A338 and restricting the licenses of those HGV firms who consistently break the speed limit.

More than 200 people attended the meeting, which was held at Collingbourne Kingston village hall.

Attendees discussed whether the variable speed limits currently in place should be changed to be more consistent and average speed cameras could be introduced.

Traffic calming measures, double white lines and whether the current signage is fit for purpose was also mentioned.

Other proposals were to increase enforcement, ensure a visible policing presence and target driver who break the law.

David Armishaw, director of Armishaws Removals, agreed that safety should be a priority and said some of the roads "were simply not designed to withstand the sheer volumes of heavy traffic".

Mr Armishaw added: “As a removals company, we inevitably need access to all highways that have homes situated on them. However, we agree that the safety of homeowners and road-users should always be the priority.

"The A388 has long been used by hauliers as alternative route to Salisbury, to avoid traffic on the A303 to the A360. The best way to get HGV drivers to use a different route is to provide them with a better alternative.

"Expanding the A345 to dual carriage way may offer the best solution for all parties. The south west is long overdue investment in our roads for the benefit of both road users and residents.”

Armishaws run a removal service in the south west

PCC Philip Wilkinson agreed with the concerns raised by meeting attendees, he said: "There isn’t a quick fix to this, but there are some immediate steps that can be taken to increase enforcement and improve road safety and I’m already discussing the viability of restricting the licences of haulage firms to increase their accountability and improve their consideration for nearby residents."

ACC David Minty said: "Since this meeting, I have tasked both our roads policing unit, and the local community policing team to increase patrols on, and alongside the A338 with the view of directly targeting those drivers who break the law.

"We will take steps with the PCC, Wiltshire Council, Danny Kruger MP and local councillors to prevent these incidents of poor and sometimes dangerous driving from happening in the first place."

Devizes MP Danny Kruger has pledged to a further meeting with residents, this time joined by Cllr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for transport to view the pinch points causing the most concern over the next few weeks.  

He said: "We can and must do more to stop HGVs using this route. It was not designed for this type of vehicle and, in my view, should be de-designated as a primary route."

Mr Kruger aims to have an update for residents in the Autumn.