Halifax Residents Angered by Illegal HGV Traffic Through Their Street

Halifax residents are upset about illegal trucks. Big trucks keep driving past their houses. Restrictions were put in place, but they’re ignored. Locals worked hard to ban these heavy goods vehicles.

The trucks speed by very close to their homes. It even makes their houses shake. Calderdale Council set a weight limit in October 2023. It’s 3.5 tonnes, but trucks still use the road.

One resident said their joy quickly vanished. Signs don’t stop drivers wanting shortcuts. The huge trucks pass very close to homes. It’s dangerous for pedestrians, too.

The road through Jumples Crag is old. It lacks a footpath on one side. Lorries use it to avoid traffic on the A629. This endangers walkers, cyclists, and other drivers. Two vehicles meeting can cause serious harm.

Residents use CCTV to record illegal trucks. They often complain to companies about drivers. Over 1,000 trucks broke the rules in 14 months. Residents sent CCTV to West Yorkshire Police’s Operation Snap.

This resulted in 220 prosecutions for the drivers. Police need clear evidence and number plates. Otherwise, police say they cannot help much. They cannot afford constant monitoring of that road.

Residents feel the council is slow to act. They wanted the road narrowed, but the council has not enacted this safety measure. One resident thinks there must be a solution. People want “CCTV in operation” signs installed. This might deter truck drivers from that route.

Councilor Sarah Courtney is aware of residents’ worries. The council contacted truck companies, and sat nav companies. Monitoring shows fewer trucks use this road. The number of trucks went down by about half. Councilor Courtney said they discuss enforcement with the police. The department works with Operation Snap.

The council applied for power from the Department of Transport. This would allow them to enforce restrictions themselves. Jumples Crag is included in this application. The outcome for this application is being awaited. Narrowing the road is not practical, according to the councillor.

Emergency vehicles and local deliveries would not be able to get to locations. They are working on a safety program. It will address HGV movements, traffic volumes and speed through Jumples Crag.

Police say they are working with residents. They are using their resources to solve this problem. Officers will patrol the area when possible. Police stated that this issue is an approach that everyone can support. Drivers must be held accountable for their choices.

Police support Calderdale Council. They will use enforcement action if needed. People should submit evidence of offenses to the police website.