Concern over county's lorry ban

Lorries face a fine if they break the weight restrictions

Lorry drivers are worried rules stopping them from using minor county roads will cause commercial paralysis.

The county council's rules restrict lorries over 7.5 tonnes to A and B roads in Leicestershire.

Geoff Dossetter from the Freight Transport Association said: "It's inevitable that trucks have to get to their destination."

But Councillor Nicholas Ruston said the scheme will allow access for deliveries and diversions around major accidents.

Repair costs

Cllr Rushton said: "The blanket ban is intended to stop rat runners tearing through small villages across Leicestershire."

He said the scheme will make the roads safer for children and prevent roads from wearing out.

Using number plate recognition technology, police will give drivers fixed-penalties of £30 if they break the ban.

Police will use mobile cameras and spot checks to make sure lorries using minor roads are not on "rat runs".

But Mr Dossetter said: "If you need a double bed delivered to your home it has to be transported in a large truck.

"It's an impossible situation and it will mean commercial paralysis for road hauliers."

Cllr Ruston said: "The truck drivers are being told we have a blanket weight restriction across the county - it is available on website and available on map and on satellite navigation - stick to the rules, we want to help you."

A number of B roads in west Leicestershire have been downgraded under the scheme and new signs advising of the restrictions are in place.

The county will spend £60,000 a year to pay for the police enforcement of the weight restrictions.