Majority of HGVs through Barnard Castle are locally operated, claims survey

CALLS continue to be made for a Barnard Castle relief road to be included in the County Durham Plan, despite a survey finding that most heavy trucks moving through the town are local.

The survey, which was carried out in July, found that more than half of the 224 HGVs which passed through the town were from one local operator.

A further 12 per cent of HGVs were from another local company.

The survey covered eight points in the town, including the grade 1 listed Market Cross that has suffered repeated damage after being hit by juggernauts, and found that more than half of the lorries were travelling between Harmire Road and Westwick Road.

The survey took note of the size of the vehicle, the company that owned it and the time it passed.

This allowed the county council highways officials to analyse which vehicles were passing through the town and which made a stop.

The implications of the survey were discussed during a meeting between the county’s highways manager Dave Wafer and Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP).

Mr Wafer said: “Looking at the high numbers of vehicles that are in Barnard Castle for a specific reason the idea of a permit that has been suggested in the past would not serve any purpose.”

He added that a follow up survey will take place at the end of October and it is hoped that by having two sets of figures it will give a more rounded idea of the numbers of HGVs passing through Barnard Castle on a daily basis.

County councillor for Barnard Castle West Richard Bell said: “We are looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the second survey.

“The figures from the first survey clearly suggest that the relief road we have been asking for would be well used and all of this is good evidence to support our wish to ensure the proposed route is included in the new County Durham Plan.”

Fellow Barnard Castle West representative Cllr Ted Henderson added: “I will ensure the findings of these surveys are taken up the transport and environment group of Teesdale Action Partnership.”