Lichfield’s MP is hoping a new Government road strategy to prevent local routes being used as a “rat run” by lorries.
Local authorities are now allowed to change the designation of roads which are not so-called strategic routes such as motorways and major trunk roads like the A38.
And Michael Fabricant is calling on highways bosses to act on the move – starting with two routes passing through villages near Lichfield.
“The Government has now made it easier to set a 20mph speed limit, change roads from A roads to B roads, and introduce chicanes and other traffic calming measures to deter heavy goods vehicles from using particular routes,” he said. “I shall be approaching Staffordshire County Council to ask that they look again at the A515 on the stretch which passes through Kings Bromley and Yoxall which have suffered for years from heavy trucks passing through the villages.
“I will also ask them to look at the A513 which passes through Kings Bromley. This is just a rat run for HGVs which ought to be using the dualled A38.
“Locals will need to decide first whether they want a 20mph limit or traffic calming introduced before I approach the Council.
“This change in regulations – which only came into operation this month – could spell the end to truck misery for many villages in the midlands” adds Michael.
