HGVs are a particular issue in Smallfield, Burstow, Horne and Outwood, although increasingly in different parts of the constituency too. I recently met with Roads Minister, Baroness Charlotte Vere, to discuss the concerns and proposals I had put to the Department following the public meeting I held in January.
The conversation was constructive about improvements we can make on a national level, and I am pleased to share that the Government will be bringing forward legislation this year to give local authorities enforcement powers against moving traffic offences. Crucially, the Minister agreed that these new powers will include enforcement against HGVs using routes that have been deemed unsuitable.
In the meantime, I am continuing to make the case for changes to traffic commissioner powers, and I'm pleased that the Minister has also agreed to explore our proposal of a distance-based levy to reduce the number of HGV movements.
On a local basis, I continue to speak to the councils about signage, speeding and the use of planning conditions. I also am pleased to say that the so-called Polo Pitch disturbances seem to have subsided following our conversations with the councils.
I’m looking forward to having another meeting with local representatives in the coming weeks to discuss progress and will be looking at what learnings we can bring to the rest of the constituency.
As ever, if you have any questions, please do email me at [email protected] and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
