Report an incident with a heavy goods vehicle

Information on different types of HGV issue and who to contact.

Suffolk is a rural county and many of the businesses in rural areas are engaged in agricultural or logistics sectors, both of which tend to generate heavy good vehicle (HGV) movements on local roads. Suffolk County Council has a recommended route map to help HGV operators and drivers to stay on the most appropriate routes for their journeys.

Lorry route map

HGVs on Suffolk's roads

Not all roads in Suffolk are suited to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Many have narrow stretches or other difficulties, but they are generally the most practical routes through an area, taking into account local destinations, road quality and any restrictions in place.

Weight restrictions

Some roads have weight limits to protect weak bridges or to keep HGVs away from residential areas where better routes are available. These restrictions are either structural (to prevent damage) or environmental (to reduce the impact on local communities).

We understand that HGVs using unsuitable roads, or parking overnight in the wrong places, can cause real concern for residents.

Why we don't simply add more restrictions

In most cases, the roads that need restrictions already have them. Adding limits to more rural roads does not solve the problem, it moves it to other communities. For this reason, we consider any new restrictions carefully.

Where circumstances change, for example, if a weak bridge is strengthened, we may also review or remove existing restrictions that are no longer needed.

Balancing local needs

HGV movements support Suffolk's rural economy. They are linked to businesses that provide important jobs in areas where other employment options can be limited. We need to balance protecting these jobs and the rural economy with reducing the impact HGVs have on local communities.

Any plans to manage HGV movements in rural areas must take into account where traffic would be redirected and how that would affect other roads and communities.

Report a highways issue

Contact us

If your HGV query has not been addressed above, please contact our customer services team.

Phone: 0345 606 6171
Email: customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk