Certain petrol and diesel vehicles will be fined for using the roads in one part of the UK under radical new proposals. Surrey County Council has revealed plans to introduce traffic enforcement measures to stop HGVs from travelling across certain routes.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras could be fitted across 10 roads in Weybridge to catch out any drivers breaking weight restrictions. Rules banning vehicles of over 18 tonnes from driving down certain roads in the area came into effect in November 2024. However, the new cameras could take enforcement up a notch and ensure road users breaking the rules are published.
Officials claim that hundreds of HGVs have been ignoring the rules with a new consultation seeking support for tougher measures.
The consultation reads: “Surrey County Council has installed an experimental environmental weight restriction on various roads in Weybridge. This is in response to concerns raised by residents.
“These concerns are regarding the unsuitability and safety of heavy commercial vehicles travelling on particular roads in Weybridge, and where the passing of this type of traffic has a detrimental effect on residents living along the route.
“Alternative routes are considered to exist that are more appropriate to carry heavy commercial vehicles.”
There have been concerns some HGV owners were turning onto smaller streets in a bid to avoid heavy traffic.
Roads being considered for new ANPR cameras include Brooklands Road, Heath Road, Church Street and Egerton Road.
Meanwhile, St George’s Avenue, Gower Road, Cavendish Road, Old Avenue and Ellesmere Road are also on the radar.
Enforcement would be a radical step up from the current watch system which only runs on a voluntary basis.
This relies on locals going online to upload photos of vehicles which they consider to be breaking the weight restriction rules.
Lorry operators may then be issued with a warning letter but up until now have not faced any financial implications.
Despite this, HGV owners have hit back at the plans with one road user blaming the public for the amount of vehicles on the streets.
One said: “As an HGV driver, I find this ridiculous. If you don’t want HGVs on your roads, then stop buying stuff.
“As professional drivers, we do not generally speed as this is our livelihood and wish to keep our licences.”
