Lorry ban in Burtonwood

7:20am Saturday 6th September 2008

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AFTER years in the planning, Burtonwood village has finally become a HGV-free zone.

Signs put up this month mean large trucks and wagons have been banned from driving through the village centre.

The erection of the signs represents a massive vistory for campaigners who have long said the country lanes are too narrow and not safe enough for such large vehicles.

Clr Terry O’Neill. (LAB - Burtonwood and Winwick) said: “It is just not safe for HGVs to be using these roads.

“We have been battling for years to get a full ban and I am very grateful for the support of the village and that it has come to fruition.

“The roads have got worse since junction eight opened and we wanted to make sure this was sorted before work starts on Omega.”

The developers behind Omega have agreed to pay for some of the costs of the installation work.

The restricted area will include Clay Lane, Gorsey Lane and Penkford Lane.

Clr O’Neill said the ban has come into force after he received new legal advice. He had originally been told that because Burtonwood was so close to the border with St Helens, they would also have to agree to put up the signs - something St Helens refused to do.

But now fresh advice from the Government said the ban is legal and can come into force.

Clr O’Neill says police will carry out enforcement within the next few weeks - at first warning drivers not to use the roads.

After one warning, they can then start enforcing and prosecuting drivers who flout the ban.