'Tempers fraying' as HGVs miss official diversion

The closure of part of the A350 in Westbury has led to traffic issues on the town's smaller roads

Residents say large lorries have been missing an official diversion and squeezing through small roads due to the closure of a major A-road for gas works.

A section of the A350 through Westbury in Wiltshire is currently shut, with a diversion via the A361 and A36.

However, locals have been reporting some HGVs using smaller roads, such as Bratton Road, and a few which are weight-restricted, causing traffic issues.

Wiltshire Council has urged people to report lorries using weight-restricted routes to the police, while one local councillor says "tempers are getting frayed" around the issue.

HGVs 'on pavement'

Local councillor Mike Phillips said the narrow Bratton Road (B3908), while not weight-restricted, is "totally unsuitable for heavy traffic".

"I had a message from one guy who lives along the narrow stretch. He was exiting his front door and nearly had his head taken off by an HGV which was apparently 18 inches away."

Many of the homes are right up against the pavement, which itself is small.

"The front wheels of one of the HGVs was actually on the pavement. You can imagine how close it was to the front façade," said Mr Phillips, who added residents could also feel vibrations from the increased traffic.

Mr Philips said he has been told of vehicles turning round and "tempers getting frayed".

He said he is in touch with the county council and doing what he can to "fix it".

Large lorries have been using roads not on the official diversion route

Suzanne Wickham said she goes into the town a few times a week, and has started giving herself extra time for journeys after getting stuck.

"It's a very narrow section coming out of Westbury towards Bratton, it's governed by a priority system. There's parked vehicles as well.

"What you have is a complete blockage if an HGV comes along and can't get through."

She said there are lorries not following the diversion.

"I appreciate roadworks have to be done, I understand HGVs need to get where they're going, but if any of those little chains break, this is what happens."

There is a priority system on a section of Bratton Road, which also has homes close to the side

Wiltshire Council has thanked people who have reported problems and said signs are up along the main routes to let HGV drivers know about the diversion.

The council said Wiltshire Police is increasing its presence in the area to enforce weight restrictions on Bitham Park and The Mead, and said it has contacted transport companies to remind them.

Wales & West Utilities is carrying out the work on the A350, which it has explained are essential upgrades to "keep the gas flowing safely".

The work is expected to be finished by the end of August and the company said it had let homes and businesses what to expect by sending letters and holding a drop-in session.

However, it added there has been another issue - vehicles going down the closed section of the A350, making it dangerous for drivers and workers.

"We are working with the police and the council to prevent motorists from doing this and to prosecute drivers where necessary," the company said.