Burford weight limit set to be scrapped after RHA campaign

Councillors in Oxfordshire have recommended that a ban on large vehicles moving through Burford should end, after an RHA campaign on the issue.

The move follows a temporary traffic order on vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes has been in place on the A361 through the town.

But officials at Oxfordshire County Council have now ruled the measure should be revoked next month (February 2022) after mounting concerns about its impact on businesses and the community.

Councillors in Oxfordshire have recommended that a ban on large vehicles moving through Burford should end, after an RHA campaign on the issue.

The move follows a temporary traffic order on vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes has been in place on the A361 through the town.

But officials at Oxfordshire County Council have now ruled the measure should be revoked next month (February 2022) after mounting concerns about its impact on businesses and the community.

Rhys Williams, RHA Operations Manager who led opposition against the measure, hailed the decision saying it was a victory for common sense.

He told a hearing on Wednesday (5 January) that forcing trucks to detour onto unsuitable roads, increasing costs to businesses in longer journey times, and caused misery for residents.

Liam Walker, a local councillor, added weight to the campaign to end the ban, saying the logistics industry is vital and HGV operators shouldn’t be persecuted.

Rhys said: “We’re delighted that councillors have listened to us as it’s clear that this scheme was a mistake. We urge officials to rubber-stamp this decision, which will be a relief to residents and commercial vehicle operators alike.”

Subject to county council cabinet approval, the scheme won’t be made permanent when the temporary measure ends on 22 February.

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News 13 January 2022