Heavy goods vehicle movements
As a transport authority, Surrey County Council has some limited powers to regulate heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements.
While moving traffic enforcement regulations give us powers to help enforce weight restrictions, the police can carry out enforcement of both weight and height restrictions, however they have limited resources to do so.
We may consider adding a height or weight restriction in locations where there is a proven issue, with the support of your local County Councillor.
While some vehicles may be unsuitable for a road, a height or weight restricted road would often not prevent the problem. We take any reports about unsuitable HGVs seriously and our engineers will decide if there is any suitable action to be taken. Sometimes this may unfortunately mean that no immediate action is taken.
If you would like to get in touch with us about a continued problem with an HGV, please contact us.
Width restrictions
The simplest and most efficient method of preventing HGV movement is by a physical width restriction. A well-located restriction can effectively stop unwanted 'through' movements whilst still allowing access to an area.
Width restrictions may not attract police enforcement, but careful consideration is given to the needs of the emergency services, in particular the Fire Brigade. Consideration is also given to the effect upon necessary HGV journeys such as rubbish collection and home deliveries.
Weight restrictions
While it is no longer only the police that can carry out enforcement of weight restrictions, for us to install a camera is an onerous and expensive process, so not something that is undertaken lightly. Although we therefore rely on the measure(s) being mainly self-enforcing, in 2023, we started monitoring the movements of heavy goods vehicles where there are weight restrictions in place and our HGV Watch scheme is now in place to check compliance levels. This helps us decide whether camera enforcement could potentially be used to stop lorries being driven along unsuitable routes.
Signing ("Unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles")
Where it is not possible to implement an HGV restriction, consideration may be given to using an "Unsuitable for Large Goods Vehicles" sign. However a suitable alternative route must exist (and be signed) before such a sign is considered.
General information for HGV drivers
We encourage drivers to use main roads as far as possible, until near the point of delivery to reduce the impact on towns and villages.
The Surrey Interactive map shows weight or height restricted bridges in Surrey.
- We encourage drivers of HGV's to especially consider the following; (this is not an exhaustive list)
- Use the highest category road available
- Look for the signed routes
- Know the height of your vehicle
- Know the plated weight of your vehicle
- Watch out for low bridges and look for the warning signs - a low bridge is one with a height of less than 16'6" (5.03m)
- Only enter a weight restriction area if your destination is on that road; otherwise, please find an alternative route.
- Ensure loads are properly secured
In addition, lorries should:
- travel on motorways and main roads;
- leave/join motorways/main roads at the nearest junction;
- access that junction using the nearest main road providing it is a suitable route;
- not use less suitable local roads where there are main roads available that offer a suitable route and;
- use the best road available for local trips.