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Stuck trucks causes anger with officials.
UK – The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, has called for all lorry drivers using satnavs to use commercial models, following a ‘fresh catalogue of chaos on the nation's roads. Acknowledging that while the majority of lorry drivers are reputable and responsible, the LGA says that a minority cut corners by using cheaper satnavs designed for cars that don’t provide sufficient details for HGV drivers, leading them through routes with low bridges and narrow roads.
Villages and rural communities across the country have been blighted by a recent spate of lorry smashes. A historic bridge in Marlow, Bucks, had to be closed for months – with £200,000 damage - after a driver reportedly drove a truck 10 times the structure's weight limit over it. Lorries have ripped off their roofs on low bridges, and wedged themselves in historic town centres causing mayhem. Another driver whose lorry was emblazoned with ‘phenomenal' was anything but – he got stuck in a narrow street, forcing a picturesque village to grind to a halt.
Lorry satnavs differ slightly from normal car satnavs, with the inclusion of bridge heights, narrow roads, and roads unsuitable for trucks. In addition, they allow the driver to enter the lorry's dimensions – height, width, weight and load – so they are only guided along suitable roads. However, they are typically slightly more expensive than ones designed for cars.
The LGA wants councils to also be able to fine lorry drivers who flout weight restrictions. Lorries of a certain weight or width are banned from many minor roads but the police do not always have the resources to enforce the restrictions. The Government has handed powers under the Traffic Management Act (2004) to local authorities in Wales and London (under different legislation) to take action if lorry drivers break the law. Councils across the country must also be given the ability to enforce weight and width restrictions where there are hotspots of abuse in their communities by issuing fines. Read more
Source: HANDY SHIPPING GUIDE
