Council to remove vehicles blocking road works

A new trial is being launched that will remove vehicles blocking any highways resurfacing works.

Suffolk County Council says it has had repeated issues of vehicles left in roads where works are scheduled, despite advanced warnings.

From March any offending vehicles will be either moved to a safe place nearby or to a secure compound in Bury St Edmunds, with all moved vehicles subject to a £70 fine.

Paul West, cabinet member for operational highways, says the removal of vehicles will be a "last resort", but there will be occasions where it is "necessary".

"Each time a resurfacing scheme has to be cancelled costs the council tax payer money, as well as the frustration of having to reschedule and notify residents again," he added.

Vehicles being left on roads has meant the cancellation of some works or small areas being left untreated, the council says.

Whenever works are unable to take place it costs about £15,000 and this covers items such as wasted material, labour and equipment hire.

West says the trial scheme is about making sure the council does not have "wasted costs" and will only be used when needed.

"I can assure the public that it will be implemented fairly," he adds.

"This is only being introduced for planned work that is notified in advance. It is not being used when potholes are filled on reactive call outs."

The £70 Fixed Penalty Charge Notice will be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

The council says vehicles will be taken to the secure compound if there is no other suitable location nearby, but these will be subject to additional fees to have them recovered.

The trial will cover Suffolk Highways' resurfacing programme up to May and the first site where it will be used is scheduled to be in Allington Walk in Haverhill where two days of works are due to start on 18 March.

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