Fears over HGVs damaging Dorset’s roads and bridges dismissed

Cllr Ray Bryan, who previously worked in the transport sector, says although lorries now allowed on UK roads are up to two metres longer than standard-sized HGVs their steering systems are better and they will be no heavier.

Concerns about the larger vehicles, which have been allowed since the end of May, were raised by Cllr Sherry Jespersen.

“Many of Dorset’s strategic roads will not easily accommodate these longer vehicles and there is a real risk of damage to bridges, private property and verges, causing congestion and disruption to communities. In my own ward beautiful, old Durweston Bridge, which sits at the junction of the A350 and the A357, is already frequently damaged by HGVs and it will, quite simply, be impossible for the longer vehicles to use this junction as it is currently engineered,” she said.

“Dorset Council must begin planning now for these longer vehicles, mapping potential problem areas and identifying the necessary mitigation measures. We must also work with the Local Government Association to support their work with the haulage industry to make the use of specialist Satnav mandatory for HGV drivers,” she said.

Cllr Ray Bryan, whose brief includes highways and climate, said he had no concerns about the larger vehicles which offer reduced emission and the potential to reduce the number of large vehicles on Dorset’s road.

“There is no reason to expect more damage. A trial of these longer vehicles has been running since 2012. It is a design requirement that the longer semi-trailers have steering axles that mean the turning circle is no greater than the old standard-length trailer. The maximum weight allowed to be transported has not increased.  The advantage is that they have 8% more volume saving 1 in 12 lorry journeys with a significant saving in emission and number of vehicles,” said the highways and climate portfolio holder.

The old Durweston Bridge, a listed structure on the A357, has frequently been struck by vehicles with Dorset Council changing the traffic light phasing and installing a barrier to help protect it four years ago.

For vehicles turning off the A350, the main north-south routes, traffic lights now stop those travelling south when northbound traffic has a green light – allowing HGVs wanting to turn left across the bridge to swing out across the southbound lane before making the turn.

Said a council statement : “Vehicles making this manoeuvre can no longer drag their trailers on to the parapet on the inside due to heavy steel barrier that has been installed. This was the most frequent cause of damage.

“Collision with the outside does still occur but is less frequent and is not just a modern phenomenon.”

The council has resisted installing lighting on the bridge or at the junction because the site is within the Cranborne Chase ‘dark skies’ area, although reflectors have been added.

Illustration - Durweston Bridge accident 1929 - Dorset Council image