HGVs face minor Forest roads ban

The order will prohibit all lorries with a weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are to be banned from minor roads in the northern part of the New Forest.

In a joint initiative between Hampshire and Wiltshire county councils, HGVs will be banned from an area bounded by the A36, A31 and A338.

The order, which will start in the Spring, will prohibit all lorries with a gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes, except for loading and unloading.

The councils hope it will reduce HGV traffic in the wider area by up to 27%.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Hampshire's executive member for the environment, said: "Residents of villages in the northern parts of the New Forest have long expressed concern about the volume of HGVs travelling through the villages, namely Godshill, Hale and Brook."

The county council said it has the support of the New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.

New signs to mark the restricted zone will be erected and advance warning signs will be installed on major routes.