Do some prohibition signs not apply on 'formal' diversions?
Discussion
Local to us there's a longish-term road closure with a signed diversion route. This route takes traffic down a narrow lane, which has a 7.5T weight restriction.
A fair amount of traffic well over 7.5T is now using this diversion, as the alternative route involves quite a few extra miles. The restriction signs are still in place, and haven't been 'grey painted' out.
I'd like to know whether the 'officially-signed' diversion 'trumps' the weight restriction, or are these heavyweights taking a chance?
Cheers.
A fair amount of traffic well over 7.5T is now using this diversion, as the alternative route involves quite a few extra miles. The restriction signs are still in place, and haven't been 'grey painted' out.
I'd like to know whether the 'officially-signed' diversion 'trumps' the weight restriction, or are these heavyweights taking a chance?
Cheers.
AIUI the diversion should be along a route of a similar 'specification' to that being closed, in order to allow HGVs to travel safely etc. etc.
That is why the official diversion routes are sometimes miiiiiiles long in areas with (for example) limited A-road options for diversions.
If there is a weight limit in place but HGVs are using it as directed, the Highway Authority could have made a mistake or could have signed off on an exception to the rule mentioned above if the alternative is unfeasibly long - give them a ring or an email and point it out, see what they say.
That is why the official diversion routes are sometimes miiiiiiles long in areas with (for example) limited A-road options for diversions.
If there is a weight limit in place but HGVs are using it as directed, the Highway Authority could have made a mistake or could have signed off on an exception to the rule mentioned above if the alternative is unfeasibly long - give them a ring or an email and point it out, see what they say.
Racing Newt said:
Well the fact that the weight restriction is valid at all times trumps any other situation does it not. The diversion cannot change the weight limit restriction , up or down, therefore the overweight vehicles are contravening a restriction.
That is my understanding, as well. Around here, North West Wales, narrow lanes, or those with weight restrictions, usually have a ‘Don’t follow Sat nav’ pictorial sign.As regards the OP, if the weight restriction signs are still showing, they still apply.
If I’m reading it right , the diversion is down a road with a 7.5t limit ? If so that’s down to the person who has planned the diversion , though in 40+ yrs of driving Lorry’s I’ve been down plenty of 7.5t limited roads , plenty with not suitable for hgv ,s etc etc , I’ve more than once helped lorry’s get through my town when roads have been shut due to a rta etc , using 7.5 t limits etc , what’s the alternative , lorry sitting there for 6/7 hrs until the road reopens ????? .
You don’t want lorry’s just driving down restricted road for the sake of it , but also a bit of common sense needs using that there are times ( rta,s / road closures ) where those roads will need to be used .
You don’t want lorry’s just driving down restricted road for the sake of it , but also a bit of common sense needs using that there are times ( rta,s / road closures ) where those roads will need to be used .
I've done this a couple of times, where there is no other suitable diversion, however:-
1 - You can't do it if there is a physical obstruction (i.e. low bridge or a weak bridge that couldn't take the weight)
2 - The weight limit order would need to be temporarily suspended - and the restriction signs removed/covered up.
1 - You can't do it if there is a physical obstruction (i.e. low bridge or a weak bridge that couldn't take the weight)
2 - The weight limit order would need to be temporarily suspended - and the restriction signs removed/covered up.
RSTurboPaul said:
AIUI the diversion should be along a route of a similar 'specification' to that being closed, in order to allow HGVs to travel safely etc. etc.
That is why the official diversion routes are sometimes miiiiiiles long in areas with (for example) limited A-road options for diversions.
If there is a weight limit in place but HGVs are using it as directed, the Highway Authority could have made a mistake or could have signed off on an exception to the rule mentioned above if the alternative is unfeasibly long - give them a ring or an email and point it out, see what they say.
This is the excuse that East Sussex County Council gave for not signposting a diversion route when the A26 was shut about 18 months ago. They said there was no similar specification route so they wouldn't sign a diversion route. Outcome being HGVs lost and in all manner of odd places.That is why the official diversion routes are sometimes miiiiiiles long in areas with (for example) limited A-road options for diversions.
If there is a weight limit in place but HGVs are using it as directed, the Highway Authority could have made a mistake or could have signed off on an exception to the rule mentioned above if the alternative is unfeasibly long - give them a ring or an email and point it out, see what they say.
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