The dangers of HGV taking shortcuts through country lanes have been highlighted by community councillors serving the Gwehlog Fawr area. which covers Gwehelog, Kemeys Commander, Llancayo and Trostrey where residents are becoming increasingly frustrated at the number of lorries taking short cuts through lanes, which are unsuitable for vehicles of this size. 

 

Not being familiar with the local roads, many of these HGV drivers get into difficultly as the lanes become narrow and as a result have to reverse back, wasting their time and causing inconvenience.

 

Despite asking Monmouthshire County Council for appropriate signage for over two years, with the full support of the community council and County Councillor Val Smith, no signage has been forthcoming from Monmouthshire County Council

 

“Back in February, a HGV completely blocked a lane in Trostrey, causing considerable damage to local property. The incident involved the emergency services and the cost to tax payers of this incident is unknown,” said a council spokesman.

 

“This lane has a sign on the one end at Bettws Newydd, but not at the other in Trostrey.  Gwehelog Fawr Community Council have been informed that a sign has now been agreed by Monmouthshire County Council and will be programmed into the coming financial year 2016/17,” she added.

 

Following this incident, Gwehelog Fawr Community Council asked for further signage specifically aimed at HGV drivers.  The response from an Monmouthshire County Council area engineer was that the request was ‘Not agreed…this lane is typical of the numerous lanes in this area and there is no evidence of excessive or large numbers of errant HGV’s and a sign of this nature is not supported or justifiable in this location. 

“Professional HGV drivers can reasonably be expected to stay on the main road here and use their professional judgement when considering which road is appropriate for their type of vehicle and HGV can buy and use sat navs specifically designed for HGVs which can be set to various settings not just follow shortest route setting.’                                                                                                  

 

Perhaps the picture tells a different story?