Lorry Watch scheme

Information about the Lorry Watch scheme and how you can join the scheme to prevent HGV weight restriction traffic order abuse in your area.

You can call Suffolk County Council's Trading Standards team at 01473 264859.

The Trading Standards Service can enforce weight restriction orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Weight restriction orders make it an offence to drive a vehicle through the restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed unless they are exempt, for example some Environmental Orders provide exemptions when delivering or collecting within the restriction zone.

The Lorry Watch scheme aims to help parishes who feel that local HGV weight restriction traffic orders are being abused.

Trading Standards aim to ensure that the weight restriction orders are adhered to. These orders are in place to protect old or weak structures, as well as to prohibit heavy vehicles from areas unsuitable for their size (e.g. narrow village roads). The scheme is run in partnership with Suffolk Highways.

The scheme aims to empower residents and prevent environmental damage to some of Suffolk's most sensitive settlements.

We have active Lorry Watch schemes in the following areas:

Bungay
Coddenham
Hadleigh
Holton
Leiston
Sproughton
Thorndon
Wetherden

Local trained observers note details of vehicles that may be misusing a restricted route.
A report is sent to Suffolk Trading Standards.
Suffolk Trading Standards confirm the vehicle weight and registered keepers of the vehicle.
Investigations are made with the registered keeper and driver of the vehicle.
Action is taken in accordance with the Enforcement Policy.
Feedback is provided on a six monthly basis to Lorrywatch zones.

If HGVs are abusing a weight restriction in your area and you are interested in joining lorrywatch, please contact your local Parish or Town Council to establish support. If there is support for lorrywatch they can seek Observers to take part in the scheme. Observers must be 18 or over and willing to attend a short training session. Parish Councils and Town Councils wishing to make enquiries about lorrywatch can contact Suffolk Trading Standards via;

Email: lorrywatch@suffolk.gov.uk
Telephone: 01473 264859 (please press A for reception)

Lorrywatch zones can only be considered where there is a weight restriction. Where HGVs are causing a nuisance and you would like to apply for a weight restriction or report damage please contact Highways.

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