HGV weight limit plans put on hold

Published on 15th March 2007 in News

Hopes of seeing the number of lorries passing through Howden reduced were dashed last week when a decision on plans for a weight limit was deferred.

A report to last Thursday's East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet meeting recommended that a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes be implemented in an area bordered by the A163, the B1228 Station Road, the A614 and the river Derwent.

The limit could have led to a reduction of up to 40 per cent of HGVs on Flatgate, Hull Road and Station Road.

However, Howdenshire ward councillors expressed concern about the validity of the last traffic survey, which was carried out in 2003.

In particular, Cllr Doreen Engall told councillors that a weight restriction around Howden would have a far greater effect on villages such as Spaldington and Holme upon Spalding Moor and would be particularly dangerous for Holme primary school on the A163.

She also pointed out Humberside Police 'robustly objected' to the 2003 proposals.

It was agreed that the matter be deferred for six months for more traffic counts.

Cllr Ingrid Ridley, mayor of Howden, described the decision as "very disappointing".

"They've ignored the fact that when the railway station was closed for a couple of weeks, the increase in HGV traffic was minimal and didn't cause a problem because it was divided between the other villages," she said.