Warwickshire villagers ask for MP's 'urgent assistance' with HGV problem
Residents of Edgehill in south Warwickshire, and its surrounding area, have called for the “urgent assistance” of their MP to help them tackle the issue of HGV drivers ignoring the 7.5 tonne weight restriction for vehicles being driven trough the village.
Last week, Ratley & Upton Parish Council wrote an email to Kenilworth and Southam MP Sir Jeremy Wright about the “major problem” for the historic hamlet, which is known for its close proximity to the site of where the first battle of the English Civil War took place in 1642.
In the email to Sir Jeremy, parish clerk Jeremy Obbard said: “Ratley and Upton Parish Council would like to formally request your urgent assistance in resolving a major problem we have with heavy lorries travelling through our village of Edgehill, ignoring the 7.5 tonne weight restriction.
"While there have been issues with lorries over recent months and years, there has recently been a dramatic increase in HGVs which are persistently being driven through the village, often at speed, and frequently with number plates obscured by mud.
"It is estimated the rate of HGV traffic is up to around 30 per hour at certain times of the day.
"This is causing great distress to local residents who are really concerned about the danger of lorries speeding through such a narrow street.
"There is also concern about mud and debris being left behind, and the considerable damage being caused to the road surface.
"The road surface and layout is clearly not suitable for this frequency of HGV loads.”
In the letter to Sir Jeremy, Mr Obbard explained that the parish council has contacted Warwickshire County Council (WCC) which, while being ‘sympathetic to the issue’, has referred the council to Warwickshire Police.
He said: “The police have stressed, in no uncertain terms, that although they have powers to intervene, they will take no action as the responsibility lays firmly with Warwickshire County Council.
“We now feel extremely frustrated and somewhat impotent to resolve this situation and hope you will be able to assist.
"Many thanks in anticipation of your assistance.”
Warwickshire World and The Banbury Guardian have contacted Sir Jeremy Wright’s office for a comment.