One of the problems we face in Bath is the SatNav guidance systems used by lorries and others. Councillors and MP Don Foster, are working on a number of ideas to reduce the common problem of lorries guided by SatNav taking unsuitable routes through the area and frequently getting stuck.

The problem has been highlighted recently by such cases occurring in Freshford and also in Greenway Lane, Bath. When a lorry does get stuck it is not only inconvenient to the driver but also massively inconvenient to locals who may be unable to use that route for several hours.

We have identified two measures which may help alleviate the problem. The first is some recently approved road signs which can be put up wherever there is a recurring problem. These are essentially a ‘No HGVs’ sign, one with words and one without words. It is expected that the second would be used mainly near ports where it should be understood by drivers with imperfect English. These signs have been trialled with apparent success in Wales.

The second measure is for the Council to create a ‘Freight Advisory Route Map’ which would be published on the council website and which would enable lorry drivers to plan a sensible route through the Bath area. This is apparently used successfully by county areas such as Warwickshire and Tyne & Wear.

MP Don Foster meanwhile is working on a third idea which is currently being considered by the Dept for Transport (DfT) in London. If fully implemented it may result in special variants of SatNav routes which would be guaranteed suitable for HGVs, and would deter them from taking any other route. At the moment this scheme is up for consideration as a trial only, but if successful could be widened to the whole of the UK.

Finding ways of keeping through lorry traffic out of Bath is important for a lot of residents. Finding a solution that enables freight to get from ports to towns is important but this needs to have a socially responsible rout map. Better still we should aim to get freight straight onto the rail newtork and increase substantially the amount of freight that does most of its journey by rail and not by road.