Campaigners turn to Kirkby Stephen for advice on Barnard Castle lorry ban

A LOBBY group is hoping to embark on a fact-finding mission in Cumbria to try to resolve issues caused by HGVs passing through Barnard Castle.
In an attempt to ensure that the town does not become a “rat-run”, Barnard Castle’s HGV action group is hoping to begin investigating the possibility of having a HGV licensing system put in place.
A traffic regulation order was introduced in Kirkby Stephen in 2000 to alleviate problems caused by HGVs.
Over the past 16 years, the order has been a success, say residents of the Eden Valley town. Campaigners in Teesdale want to speak to Kirkby Stephen Town Council about how successful the restriction has been and how to go about getting one in place in the dale. Barnard Castle town councillor and HGV Action group member Judi Sutherland said: “In Kirkby Stephen they have really helped with the issue where HGVs were rat-running through the town from the A66 to the M6. They have introduced some sort of licensing system so that local traffic can still get through.
“Arranging a meeting is on our list of things to do. We are hoping that someone from Durham County Council will be able to come along too.
“It will be a bit of a fact-finding mission for us to see what they have got in place and how they have done it. 
“We are hoping to meet with them informally to find out how well it is working. It may be something we consider for this town.”
The order in Kirkby Stephen applies to vehicles over 18 tonnes. Exemptions are in place for deliveries and the transportation of animals.
Kirkby Stephen Town Council clerk Jeanette Cooper said councillors would be happy to speak to Barnard Castle’s HGV action group about it.
She said: “Like a lot of these towns, they were not designed for large vehicles coming through. There was damage to parked vehicles, people were trying to get across the road but it has eased it now for everyone.
“It has been much improved with the road restrictions but there are still some that come through that we think probably should not. For the most part though, they follow the weight restriction.
“I can’t see any reason why we would not speak to them about it. It has worked well here.”