A weight limit zone to prevent heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from passing through several small villages in North Lincolnshire is now permanent. Since 2022, a trial has restricted vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from traveling through one council ward.
The initiative was prompted by concerns from the Ulceby Road Safety Group, Parish Council, and Ferry ward councillors. Stuart Smith of the Ulceby Road Safety Group celebrated the decision as "absolutely fantastic" and long overdue. Mr. Hannigan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s been successful beyond our expectations. It was a long campaign to achieve this, but we succeeded.”
The weight-restricted zone in Ferry ward includes Ulceby, Kirmington, Thornton Curtis, Burnham, Croxton, and Wootton. Ferry ward councillor Richard Hannigan praised the trial, noting it had "exceeded expectations" and improved residents' quality of life. Based on feedback from Humberside Police, vehicles exceeding the weight limit will be allowed through only if there are diversion routes, road closures, or roadworks.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA), representing HGV-operating companies, opposed the traffic order. The RHA argued that alternative routes would be more costly and environmentally harmful due to longer travel times.
