Northamptonshire’s central location within the country is at a crossroads of major freight routes which includes the A14/M1/M6 and the A43S/A45 corridor.
The county already has a large number of national and regional distribution centres and this is set to increase, generating more HGV's. The county’s current and future prosperity depends on the use of these vehicles and this must be taken into account when looking into future management, therefore it is important to work with the industry.
Whilst alternatives to the lorry as a method of haulage are being considered on a national and regional basis, in the medium term most of the freight will continue to be taken by HGV’s. In the longer term there will still be a need to deliver goods by HGV’s from distribution centres to shops, etc, so a reduction in the number of these vehicles is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
The unnecessary use of inappropriate roads by HGV’s is an emotive issue, as well as causing significant highway damage and generates a considerable volume of complaints from other road users and people living in communities through which these vehicles pass.
It is therefore important to manage the movement of freight so as to reduce the need for road maintenance and improve the quality of life for communities, but at the same time ensuring that the problem is not transferred elsewhere.
For further information relating to HGV issues please take a look at our Lorry Management information pack below:
HGV Parking Facilities
As a member of the East Regional Fright Quality Partnership, we have produced a useful guide to HGV parking facilities countywide. It is intended that this information will provide HGV drivers with useful information when searching for safe rest areas in an effort to deter indiscriminate parking.
The leaflet shows the most suitable lorry parking facilities around Northamptonshire featuring a map and a key displaying their locations. It also contains a table of the facilities provided, such as costs, opening hours and contact details.
Amenity Weight Restrictions (7.5t) Countywide Awareness Campaign
To assist Parish Council's that suffer from HGV's abusing this restriction, we have devised a poster to raise the awareness of 7.5t Amenity Weight Restrictions. Our aim is to support those communities who are experiencing these problems by distributing the boards to the affected areas.
It is intended that the local community groups will be responsible for erecting the awareness boards which will be available on a short-term basis, and it is hoped that by creating a visual impact we can raise the profile of this restriction to offending HGV drivers.
To view an example of the safety board, please use the link below.
Details of 7.5t Amenity Weight Restrictions and Structural Limits (weak bridges) are available to view on the our Interactive Mapping layer