Lorries and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)

Heavy good vehicle (HGV) weight restrictions can be imposed for structural or environmental reasons. A weight restriction is a legal control called a traffic regulation order.

Restrictions can be imposed on:

• vehicles above a specified weight or width
• specific roads
• specific routes 

Restrictions will only be introduced if there is a suitable alternative route for the displaced traffic and the displaced traffic does not create a problem elsewhere.

Why weight restrictions are introduced

Weight restrictions:

• reduce danger to pedestrians and other road users  
• prevent damage to buildings, roads and bridges  
• preserve the character and environment of an area  
• reduce and manage congestion on the roads  

Enforcing weight restrictions 

Restrictions are enforced through traffic regulation orders. Signs are put up so that people are aware of the restriction and to help the police enforce the restriction. 

They are also backed up by widespread advisory signing. They give early warnings to lorry drivers that a particular route or area is restricted.  

It is the responsibility of the police to enforce weight restrictions but they have limited resources to enforce them.  

Exemptions

Weight limits made on environmental grounds usually apply to longer lengths of road or areas surrounded by appropriate lorry routes. Lorries still need to gain access to local shops, businesses and residential properties located within restricted lengths of roads.

Traffic regulation orders therefore contain 'except for access' or 'except for loading' clauses which make them difficult to enforce. For this reason enforcement commands a low priority.

Where possible, restrictions should be well signed to make sure they are 'self enforcing'. If necessary, physical measures can be used to prevent abuse.  

Weight limits made on structural grounds usually apply to very short lengths of road and usually contain no exemptions.