A lorry driving business owner from Hadleigh has questioned the effectiveness of a new designated routes for hauliers for journeys across Suffolk.

Andrew Knock, who owns AK Services and is also a Hadleigh town councillor, questioned Suffolk County Council's lorry route plan, which now incorporates new developments and roads, schemes such as Air Quality Management Areas, and changes in road safety on lorry routes.

Changes to the routes include utilising new by-passes and link roads to divert traffic away from town centres, including the Layham and Raydon, B1070.

HGVs are now encouraged to use B1070 for restricted and local access only, discouraging through traffic, which would also affect Benton Street.

Lorry driving councillor Andrew Knock sticking up for Hadleigh home owners (Picture credit: Nub News)

However, experienced driver Mr Knock questioned how much difference it would make to the town centre and the problems with damage caused to homes by drivers.

He said: "While anything that helps protect the homes in our narrow streets would be welcome I doubt these designated routes will make any difference whatsoever.

"The problem is really the signs outside the town which can't be read, especially the one showing weight restrictions.

"Also, we need to know that the sat navs on these lorries be updated to make sure drivers keep to the routes, there is no evidence of that.

"Another thing is for bosses of these companies to make sure their drivers stick to the rules, I doubt that will happen because the drivers will not know about them fully.

"To be honest I believe the time, effort and money spent on this would have been better off used on in clearing the trees. bushes and overgrown hedges covering up the signs coming into Hadleigh.

"That includes weight limit signs and directions taking lorries away from the town."

Lorries already ignore signs at Benton Street (picture credit: Nub News)

The map, compiled following a three-month consultation with all parish and town councils in Suffolk, was last updated in 2011 although a minor review was held in 2017.

 While hauliers are not compelled to use the routes, it is supposed to help them identify the best roads for their journey.

It should also discourage them from taking routes that can cause disruption, road safety concerns and environmental concerns to local communities.

But Cllr Knock doesn't believe this will happen as the lorry drivers are not being discouraged in any tangible way.

"Again, the council would be better off making sure the signs could be read by lorry drivers."

In his role as town councillor, Cllr Knock has often questioned Suffolk county councillor Mick Fraser over the lack of protection for the town, not just from HGV drivers, but speeders and other users, especially down Benton Street, without much joy.

During last Thursday's' full council meeting Cllr Knock asked Cllr Fraser, if more could be done to ensure signs warning lorry drivers not to enter the town, or showing restrictions could be made more visible and the signs cleared.

Cllr Fraser brushed away the enquiry and said: "Possibily."

However, when the mayor Cllr McLeod asked a similar question, Cllr Fraser replied that he would try to do that and encouraged resident to keep submitting reports online regarding highways problems.

He added: "Sorry Andrew I didn't mean to brush you off."

Councillor Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Economic Development, Transport Strategy and Waste, said: "We have consulted with town and parish councils across Suffolk to establish what changes they would like to see.

"Where possible and practical to do so we have made changes but, inevitably, some people are going to be disappointed that changes they proposed could not be implemented.

"Suffolk is a predominantly rural county and we can only work within the road network available to us to accommodate modern-day traffic requirements."

 Councillor Smith said parishes who feel that local HGV weight restriction traffic orders were not being adhered should sign up to the Lorry Watch scheme.

This is run by Trading Standards, in partnership with Suffolk Highways, who ensure weight restriction orders are enforced.

These orders are in place to protect old or weak structures and minimise use of a route unless access is necessary. 

The new map can be seen at the Suffolk County Council website.