Potential HGV Prohibition on Critical Devon Route Under Review
Heavy Goods Vehicles could face a formal ban from utilising a key roadway in England, following renewed warnings that substantial lorries are creating serious traffic disruption and safety hazards on a narrow, rural passage. The ongoing concerns centre specifically on Mamhead Hill in Devon, where local authorities are being pressed to take decisive action.
Councillor Sounds Alarm Over Persistent Issues
Devon County Councillor Alan Connett has once again escalated the issue to the council's highways department, highlighting the significant delays and logistical problems caused by HGVs and other oversized vehicles attempting to navigate Mamhead Hill. He emphasised that these concerns have been raised repeatedly over several years, with a recent surge in complaints from residents.
"There have been lots of concerns over the past few years and again recently about HGVs and other large vehicles on Mamhead Hill at Starcross," stated Cllr Connett. "Increasingly heavy lorries are using Mamhead Hill between Starcross and the A380."
Specific Incident Highlights Dangers
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a particular incident reported in December. Residents observed a large lorry, complete with a trailer transporting machinery, descending the hill. Due to the road's challenging geometry, the HGV found itself unable to reverse, while ascending traffic was completely blocked, creating a standstill.
Mamhead Hill is described by local leaders as being narrow, steep, and featuring sharp curves, characteristics that render it inherently unsuitable for the safe passage of large commercial vehicles. This topography exacerbates the risk of accidents and severe traffic congestion.
Enforcement Challenges and Alternative Solutions
In response to the calls for action, Cllr Dan Thomas, the cabinet member for highways, outlined the practical difficulties in implementing a straightforward prohibition. He noted that numerous properties and farms accessible from roads off Mamhead Hill may legitimately require deliveries, complicating any ban with an "except for access" clause.
"Due to this caveat, a prohibition with an except for access is extremely difficult for the police to enforce and have been found to be unsuccessful in preventing HGVs from using a route," explained Cllr Thomas. He further detailed that police resources are insufficient for constant monitoring, and enforcement would require following a vehicle for the entire length of the restriction to prove a violation.
Given these enforcement hurdles, Cllr Thomas suggested that a weight restriction is challenging to prioritise. However, he proposed a potential alternative: "If this remains a priority for the community, we could consider supporting a self-delivered scheme." This indicates that community-led initiatives might be explored to manage the flow of heavy traffic on this problematic route.
The debate continues as Devon County Council weighs the pressing safety and congestion concerns against the practicalities of enforcement and the legitimate access needs of local businesses.
