Lorry Route Plan review in Suffolk

No. There is no statutory duty to publish a recommended Lorry Network Map and having one does not prohibit HGVs from using other roads. Traffic Regulation Orders may be used to restrict the use of roads considered unsuitable for HGVs (indicated in yellow on the map) but, other considerations including length of vehicle, should be considered when Hauliers are planning their journeys along routes within the county.

Since May 2023, new legislation has allowed for longer vehicles up to 18.55m long, to travel along the public highway. This is aimed at reducing overall HGVs on the public highway improving efficiencies for businesses, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting the UK economy. Under the new legislation, operators will be legally required to ensure appropriate route plans and risk assessments are made to take the unique specifications of the longer trailers into account, in addition to extra safety checks and additional training.

The Lorry Watch scheme page gives further information on the current active lorry watch schemes. Lorry Watch schemes can only be used where there is a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in place giving a weight restriction.

You can do this using the Highways Reporting Tool by visiting Report an incident with a heavy goods vehicle.

Planning decisions are taken by the district and borough councils as the local planning authority.

Suffolk County Council as the Highway Authority is consulted and considers traffic movements and highway safety when assessing planning applications. 

The recommended lorry route map can be referenced in the County Council’s response to planning applications.

The review only considered HGV and lorry traffic under normal conditions. Large developments are required to produce a Construction Management Plan which sets out lorry routes to and from the site during construction. These plans are assessed independently of the review for the specific needs of the site and the impact on the local highway network.