CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a permit system to be introduced in an effort to cut the number of HGVs travelling through the centre of Barnard Castle.
In proposals being outlined to members of the town council as the Mercury went to press, the Barnard Castle HGV Action Group says lorries which are simply passing through should also be banned from the Abbey Bridge.
The group says HGVs heading to West Auckland and the surrounding area should be made to continue along the A66 to Scotch Corner before heading north on the A1 and turning off up the A68.
While this would add an extra 16.5 miles to the journey, campaigners estimate it would only take an extra 11 minutes compared to coming through Barney and along the A688 via Staindrop and Evenwood Gate.
The group has based its proposals on a similar permit scheme in Kirkby Stephen. The action group says the ideal solution is the construction of a new Tees crossing and relief road, but accepts this is unlikely to come to fruition for many years.
In a report to Monday’s town council meeting campaigners state: “The Barnard Castle HGV Group has requested that a relief road with a new Tees crossing should be included in the next iteration of the Durham Plan.
“However, even if it is agreed, it will be many years before that plan can be put into operation.”
The group says the permit system offers a medium term solution and will help protect further damage to the recently repaired Market Cross as well as the Abbey Bridge.
The group carried out two surveys of HGV traffic through Barnard Castle.
In the first, of 224 vehicles recorded 205 travelled straight through the town. Some 87 different hauliers were noted – however, one operator accounted for 125 trips. In the second, 184 vehicles from 76 different hauliers were recorded.
“It is clear from the results that most of the HGV traffic coming through Barnard Castle is not there to service the town’s businesses,” states the report.
“Apart from damage to Abbey Bridge and the Market Cross, Barnard Castle HGV Action Group is concerned about gridlock, pollution and danger to pedestrians caused by these large vehicles.”
Members of the group spoke to town councillors in Kirkby Stephen about their scheme, which was introduced in 2000 and took HGVs away from the town via the A66 and M6 to Penrith.
“The lorry ban scheme has been operating for many years with a great degree of success,” adds the action group report.
“Key to the system is a permit scheme which allows companies with legitimate business in the town to gain exemption from the ban.
“Additionally, any vehicle driver in possession of a valid delivery note for an address in
the proscribed area is permitted to travel into Kirkby,” it states.
“We believe a similar system in Barnard Castle should be considered. HGV traffic travelling from West Auckland to Bowes, or vice-versa, is prevented from using Barnard Castle town centre and must continue to use major roads via Scotch Corner.
“Traffic wishing to travel further up Teesdale would use the A67 via Barton and Piercebridge.”
According to the group’s figures, Bowes to West Auckland via Barnard Castle is 15.4 miles and takes 25 minutes, assuming an average speed of 37mph.
Bowes to West Auckland via the A66, Scotch Corner, A1 and A68 is 31.9 miles and would take 36 minutes, assuming an average speed of 53mph.
“The diversion we are suggesting is less onerous than the one operating in Kirkby Stephen in terms of journey times and distances,” adds the report.
“It also alleviates traffic problems on the A688, including Staindrop, and the A67 through Gainford and Piercebridge.”
Town councillors were being asked to support the action group’s call for a relief road to be included in the County Durham Plan.
In the latest draft, the route of a potential relief road is protected but the overall scheme itself is not included because of concerns about funding. The HGV group also asked for the town council’s support in its efforts to lobby for a permit scheme banning non-essential HGVs from Barney. They also asked for councillors’ help in engaging the wider community and considering how the scheme can be policed.
Barnard Castle HGV Action Group was set up in 2016. Members include Ros Evans, former chairwoman of Teesdale Action Partnership, town councillor Judi Sutherland, Teesdale Labour Party’s Phil Hunt plus Richard Naseby, David Sumner and Jennie White.
