THURROCK’S highways and transport portfolio holder has backed calls to ban lorry drivers from using sat-navs designed for cars.
Lorry drivers should use equipment specifically for the size of vehicles they drive to prevent them travelling through height and width restrictions – as well as residential areas unsuited to lorries, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
The LGA have called on the government to give councils the power fine drivers who flout weight and width road restrictions.
Cllr Brian Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We in Thurrock throw our full support behind the LGA on this issue. Drivers must ensure they have the proper equipment and plan their journey before they set off. Otherwise they can cause damage to street furniture and congestion, as well as air quality and safety concerns.
“I agree with the Local Government Association – the majority of lorry drivers who visit Thurrock follow the rules of the road and we will continue to support our thriving logistics industry.
“But there are problem areas in Thurrock – especially Little Thurrock, Aveley and Stanford-le-Hope – and our Civil Enforcement Officers will continue to robustly tackle HGV parking, as well as any other powers given to us by government to help our residents.”
