Anger at lorries travelling through Knight Street Pinchbeck
A villager’s frustration at the lorries thundering past his home has prompted a call to arms from councillors who are looking to build a case of evidence to help resolve the problem.
Pinchbeck Parish Council has been fighting for sometime to get a weight limit imposed on Knight Street as part of a bid to stop lorries from using the busy road which is home to shops, houses, school and sports ground.
A Knight Street resident has complained to the Lincolnshire County Council about the problems created by lorries using the village as a cut-through.
The man stated in a Fix My Street report: “The HGVs are really becoming an issue. Some are so heavy. They make the house shudder when they hit bumps and dips outside the parish council office.”
He also reported that the lorries should not be using Glenside or Northgate and have been seen crossing the white lines and jaming up junctions.
The statement adds: “It's absolutely bonkers - it's been gradually getting worse day by day.
“Something must be done about this violation of roads and villages. Someone is going to get hurt as the close shaves are becoming more frequent. They cause chaos down here, and get stuck. And then one HGV has to move back - or they are up on the pavement.
“Totally lawless here. They don't care, they are just running riot. These companies must not be allowed to turn villages and lanes into trunk routes.”
The parish council has been raising the issues for some time and took part in a summit meeting with MP Sir John Hayes and Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones in March 2020.
Councillors and residents discovered that a ‘considerable number’ of HGVs are using the village as a gateway during a traffic survey in Knight Street, Rotten Row and The Approach in 2022.
Pinchbeck councillors have compiled their own traffic management strategy and members have captured data to show where speeding is an issue.
A statement from the council said: “The parish council is aware of the concerns surrounding the volume and impact of HGV traffic on Knight Street and neighbouring roads. The statement you’ve highlighted reflects the growing frustration and anxiety that some residents are experiencing.
“While ultimate responsibility for highways and traffic regulation rests with Lincolnshire County Council, the parish council recognises these longstanding concerns and will consider how best to raise them with the relevant authorities. The resident’s observations about the constraints of Glenside and Northgate further reinforce the case for a wider review of HGV routing in the area.”
“We would encourage residents to continue reporting HGV-related incidents or highways issues via Lincolnshire County Council’s Fix My Street portal, as this helps to build an evidence base for further action.”
The council is due to be discussing the issue at its next meeting on Monday, June 23.