Weight Limits

Dudley MBC is responsible for introducing weight limits on bridges where necessary. Weight restrictions can be imposed for structural or for environmental reasons. It is legal control on a specified vehicle weight or width, mainly on lorries, on certain roads and routes.

 

The restriction prevents large vehicles from using inappropriate roads, routes and areas in order to:

Weight limits are a type of Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which are measures to control traffic movements and the parking on streets. Procedures for the implementation of restrictions are subject to a TRO and the associated procedures. Regulatory signs are erected on site to give effect to the TRO and to assist the police in carrying out its enforcement

 

Enforcement

All enforcement relating to TRO is undertaken by the Police. However, the Police have limited resources to enforce this type of restriction (especially environmental restrictions). Restrictions with "except for access" clauses quickly fall into disrepute and are notoriously difficult to enforce. However these can be needed to permit HGV access to local shops, businesses, residential properties for deliveries/removals etc. For this reason, enforcement commands a low priority and therefore, where possible, physical measures will be introduced to prevent any abuse of the restrictions - the installation of signs alone are wholly ineffective. Restrictions will not be used if there is no suitable alternative route for the displaced traffic.

 

 

Additional Considerations

Where a Traffic Regulation Order restricts the use of a road, route or area to certain vehicles, the signing of a recommended alternative route will need to be considered