HGV drivers ignoring weight restrictions and diverting through Thrapston have received warning letters to opt for alternative routes or face a fine.

The clampdown on HGV drivers is just one of the actions in a wide range of initiatives under way to try to resolve the current situation which can see hundreds of HGVs going through the town. The situation often gets worse when work is being carried out on the A14, says the Northamptonshire Telegraph.

In an effort to resolve the problem, MP for Corby and East Northants Lee Barron set up a roundtable discussion which included representatives from National Highways, police, Thrapston Town Council and North Northants Council, the local highways authority.

The Carnell Group, which works with National Highways, took the decision to fund a two-night session which captured registration numbers of vehicles ignoring the town centre’s weight restriction. This APNR data was shared with police and letters were sent to transport managers to warn that future breaches by their drivers could result in a fine.

Other measures under consideration are bollards to restrict access across the Nine Arches bridge and extend wording on road signs advising drivers about weight restrictions and access.

After the round able event, National Highways conducted a review that prompted changes to diversion routes and this has helped reduce the number of HGVs going through Thrapston.

Lee Barron MP said: “Many residents have been in contact sharing their desperation about the amount of HGVs and other traffic using Thrapston as a ‘rat run’. It is clear something needed to be done, and it is encouraging that all the key authorities shared my concern and have been keen to work together to see what steps can be taken to sort out the problem.”

({Pic: Thrapston Town Council)