Lib Dems press for action over HGVs in residential roads

During the recent election campaign we were made aware that there were issues concerning HGVs using Mayfield Road and Church Street in Ashbourne as a short cut for north bound through traffic.

Issues mentioned included;

• Noise and vibration, particularly early in the morning
• Congestion when meeting on-coming traffic where there are parked cars
• A hazard for schoolchildren and parents at school times
• Possible air pollution

Since there is an alternative route that follows the 'A' road network through Ashbourne along Clifton Road and Station Road, we believe that there is no good reason for HGVs to use Mayfield Road and Church Street (except for access to the dairy and the industrial units).

We are therefore launching a campaign to try to get HGVs off these residential roads and on to the 'A' roads.

(c) Open Street Maps

One strand of this campaign is a petition found here.

This calls upon Derbyshire County Council to "prohibit vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from the area of Mayfield Road and Church Street, Ashbourne shown on the map, except for access. This is in order to reduce noise, congestion, and hazards to pedestrians and residents in this largely residential road".

Another strand is writing to the transport managers of those hauliers whose HGVs are seen in these roads pointing out (politely!) that another route is available that is at most only 300m longer!

Would you like to help us in this? If you see an HGV in Mayfield Road or Church Street take a photo, ideally showing the reg no and the haulier's name and send it to peter.dobbs@derbyshiredaleslibdems.org.uk and we will contact the haulier.

Alternatively you could contact them yourselves - a specimen letter is available for download here.

Ashbourne is struggling with congestion and air pollution - much of the centre of Ashbourne has recently been declared an Air Quality Management Area.

This re-direction of HGVs could at least make the lives of some residents a little safer.