news story

11th May 2009

Charfield Residents And MP Condemn Police 'Indifference' Over Lorries & Speeding Traffic

Rev Viv Kerner (left) and Steve Webb MP (right) joining local parents and children to protest at the lack of action over the diversion

Northavon MP Steve Webb and local vicar Viv Kerner have joined parents and children in Charfield to protest about the lack of Police action to prevent 'rat-running' during a major road closure in the village.

The main road through Charfield is currently closed due to works by Wessex Water and diversions around the village are clearly signed. But residents report that drivers with local knowledge, including lorry drivers, are ignoring the diversion signs and are driving through unsuitable residential roads.

Parents say that there have been near-misses taking their children to school and that drivers are going far too fast. They also report heavy lorries going through side streets instead of following the HGV diversion route.

MP Steve Webb has joined residents in their protest after an inadequate response when he spoke to the Police control room. Local councillor Sandra O'Neill and vicar Viv Kerner also reported an inadequate response from the Police who felt that this was a low priority.

Steve Webb said:

"Local parents feel very strongly that having high volumes of traffic and heavy lorries going through residential side streets is unacceptable. The diversion should be properly enforced and the Police should be taking firm action, especially against lorry drivers who are ignoring the weight limit which is meant to be in force. I am very disappointed at the number of different people who have told me that the Police do not seem to be be interested in their plight".

The road closure was due to be ended this week, though it is understood that there may be some delays in completing the work. A further road closure is planned in Charfield in Little Bristol Lane and residents are determined to ensure that the resultant diversion is properly policed.