Kent County Council Opens West Malling To 40 Ton Lorries
March 14, 2003 12:00 AM
Malling Councillor Trudy Dean has written to Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart asking him to prevent Kent County Council (KCC) lifting a lorry ban in West Malling.
KCC officers have confirmed they intend to press ahead with plans to strengthen Bull Bridge which carries The High Street over the railway line. The 30 ton weight restriction currently in operation would then be lifted, allowing 40 ton lorries to enter the town.
Trudy wrote:
"I am astonished that KCC would wish to enable 40 ton lorries to enter the narrow streets of West Malling. Our town is a Conservation Area recognising its outstanding architecture. These very large vehicles must detract from what strives to be a typical Kentish small market town - and a very beautiful one."
Trudy pointed out that height and weight restrictions on all other roads out of West Malling mean lorries need to "u" turn in The High Street which is dangerous to pedestrians and traffic.