DANGEROUS lorry traffic in Lutterworth needs to be curbed, a concerned resident has said.
Barbara Squire, owner of Whites florist on Church Street, told the Observer she has serious worries about the increase in HGV lorries using the small 30-mile-an-hour Gilmorton Road to access industrial sites – and is calling on council bosses to take action.
She highlighted how the lorries have to cross the central white line just to make turns down the road itself.
Barbara said the problem had increased over the last six months due to the old foundry grounds being used further down the road.
She told the Observer: “We have ambulances, doctors, a cottage hospital, a part-time police station and residential housing on Gilmorton Road, and there is great danger imposed by the HGVs.
“I have small grandchildren and animals which have to use the pavement, and also getting off my drive can be terrible as they come round the bend over the white line due to their size.
“For drivers, this road must be a nightmare for them as turning around the bend by the police station means they come over the road completely.
“I appreciate that many of these work sites would need to give access to these lorries, but there must be a better way than forcing them down the Gilmorton Road, which has become dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.”
She even said local industrial sites are advising drivers to specifically take the Gilmorton Road – guiding heavy traffic down a mostly residential street.
Barbara’s concerns are backed up by protestors against proposed developments at Magna Park, who have argued heavy traffic needs to be taken away from the town centre and seek other, safer routes.
A spokesperson from the council’s Traffic and Signals Team told Barbara there were no current plans to change the road system. They advised many have to take town routes as rural roads cannot accommodate large vehicles.
