Weight restrictions can be imposed for structural or for
environmental reasons. It is legal control on a specified vehicle
weight or width, mainly on lorries, on certain roads and
routes.
The restriction prevents
large vehicles from using inappropriate roads, routes and areas in
order to:
- reduce danger to pedestrians and other road users
- prevent damage to buildings, roads and bridges
- preserve the character, amenity and environment of an area
- reduce and manage congestion on the roads
- procedures for implementation
- restrictions are subject to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)
and the associated procedures (see Fact Sheet on Traffic Regulation
Orders)
- regulatory signs are erected on site to give effect to the TRO
and to assist the police in carrying out its enforcement
Enforcement
This is a matter for the Police. However, the Police have
limited resources to enforce this type of restriction (especially
environmental restrictions). Restrictions with "except for access"
clauses quickly fall into disrepute and are notoriously difficult
to enforce. However these are needed to permit Heavy Goods Vehicles
(HGVs) access to local shops, businesses, residential properties
for deliveries/removals etc. For this reason, enforcement commands
a low priority and therefore, where possible, physical measures
should be introduced to prevent any abuse of the restrictions - the
installation of signs alone are wholly ineffective. Restrictions
will not be used if there is no suitable alternative route for the
displaced traffic.
Additional Considerations
Where a Traffic Regulation Order restricts the use of a road,
route or area to certain vehicles, the signing of a recommended
alternative route will need to be considered.
Parking Enforcement
Throughout the London Borough of Redbridge and all London
Boroughs, commercial goods vehicles that have a gross unladen
weight of more than 5 tonnes or vehicles that have more than 12
passenger seats are unable to park on public highway between 6:30pm
- 12am and 12am - 8am, Sunday to Saturday.
Any vehicles that meet this criteria will be issued with a
Penalty Charge Notice.
Please contact Parking
Management at Redbridge Council to make complaints or
report any violations of this contravention.