In late January 2024, KCC carried out a 2-day ANPR survey of vehicles using Green Farm Lane. Out of 2,130 vehicle movements, a total of 2,116 (or 99.3%) were made by vehicles of 7.5 tonnes or less. This left 14 movements by vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. Of these, 10 of the journeys were legitimate, gaining access to premises within the weight-restricted zone. Of the 4 remaining vehicle movements, one of the vehicles was unidentifiable, and one vehicle was responsible for 2 of the unauthorised vehicle movements (ie, a return trip). Both the operators identified were sent Lorry Watch letters and apologised for the transgression.
However, some residents did not accept that the results were representative, so at the Parish Council’s request and expense, KCC carried out a further ANPR survey between 12th November and 18th November 2014. Shorne Parish Council met half the cost, which was just under £5,000.
During the 7-day period, a total of 5,285 matched vehicle movements were identified, where the same vehicle was recorded entering and exiting from Green Farm Lane. Of these:
- 4,200 (79.5%) were cars;
- 926 (17.5%) were LGVs (vans or vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or less);
- 2 were PSVs (a 4.6-tonne minibus which did a return trip);
- 88 were carried out by lorries of 7.5 tonnes or less;
- 46 were carried out by vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.
Following detailed analysis, 23 of the vehicle movements by vehicles over 7.5 tonnes were identified as having legitimate reasons for being in Green Farm Lane, gaining access to premises within the weight-restricted zone. The remaining 23 vehicle movements did not appear to have any legitimate reason for using Green Farm Lane.
8 of these 23 vehicle movements were made by 5 non-sign-written, unidentifiable vehicles. Although the registration numbers were recorded, the DVLA will not disclose details of the registered keeper. 2 of the vehicle movements were by one vehicle carrying out a return trip, and another vehicle was responsible for 3 of the vehicle movements.
The remaining 15 vehicle movements were identified as being carried out by vehicles operated by 9 companies.
- One single vehicle was responsible for 4 of the unauthorised vehicle movements;
- Two different vehicles carried out return trips which accounted for 4 vehicle movements;
- Two different vehicles were operated by the same company (a previous offender).
The 9 offending operators identified have been sent Lorry Watch Notices. 7 have responded, 2 have been sent a further reminder.
In total, 99.6% of vehicle movements in Green Farm Lane were found to be operating legally. Half of the vehicles over 7.5 tonnes were operating legally. The remaining 23 illegal movements by HGVs over 7.5 tonnes over a one week period may not seem much, but it is frustrating that a small number of drivers deliberately disregard the weight prohibition, in much the same way as other drivers disregard speed limits.
Shorne Parish Council does not have any enforcement powers for offenders (that is the responsibility of the Police), nor are we are able to identify vehicle operators from registration numbers – that information is restricted by the DVLA. Nevertheless, where the operator has been identified and sufficient information is provided, we will send a Lorry Watch notice to the operator of any vehicle which transgresses the restrictions. You can find details of the scheme on our website at https://shorneparishcouncil.org/lorry-watch/
However, we strongly advise residents not to attempt to stop or obstruct any vehicles, or to confront the driver. Do not put yourself at risk. If a vehicle is being driven dangerously or causing an obstruction, you should contact the Police.