Village bans heavy goods vehicles

There is already a weight limit on Sonning's bridge across the Thames

People in heavy goods vehicles have been warned they face a fine if they drive through a Berkshire village.

From Wednesday, Sonning is closing all its approach roads to vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes.

Those caught driving through the village face an £80 fine. Residents have said they will help enforce the village-wide traffic order.

There is already a weight limit on Sonning's bridge across the River Thames - but it is regularly flouted.

Councillor Ken Peters, of Sonning Parish Council's Highways Committee, said large trucks have difficulty negotiating the narrow roads.

"In many cases they have gone on the pavement, causing potholes and breaking down the kerbsides," he said.

Thousands of motorists avoid the two main River Thames bridges at Reading by cutting through Sonning between the busy A4 and south Oxfordshire.

Councillor Steve Chapman, of Wokingham Borough Council, added: "There are 14 new signs.... there is no excuse for any of those [lorries] to come through Sonning.

"Villagers are planning to man the approach roads."