Timber haulage and weight limits

Hi,

Can you help to answer a question regarding timber haulage. We live in Hartlaw near Acklington and have noticed recently the increased heavy haulage traffic on our road. The road has been marked yellow on the agreed timber transport map meaning Consultation.

Can you confirm what this policy actually means and whether or not heavy traffic can use this route for hauling timber if it is at consultation level. If this has been agreed then to what weight level and timings of use have been agreed and why has the map not been changed to reflect the council’s decision?

This road is not constructed to support heavy haulage. Can the council define the weight limit? We’ve had numerous issues with heavy haulage vehicles damaging (cracks and broken seal) the road and creating potholes.

A big issue is this type of road being used for heavy haulage when there are alternatives.

This road is a quiet country road with a width questionable for two cars to pass each other never mind a vehicle the size of a timber haulage truck weighing around 44 tonnes fully loaded or even 15 tonnes when empty. This road is also used regularly by cyclists and pedestrians walking dogs and hiking and logging trucks create a potentially dangerous environment.

If the council have agreed to this road and the surrounding area being used by logging trucks then can the council confirm what arrangements are being made to ensure safe use in terms of road widening, road reconstruction to support the additional tonnage of vehicles using the infrastructure and any signage to reflect weight limits or safety signage for speed limits. Strictly speaking these trucks can do 60 mph on these roads and it has been observed that they do drive at speed and some have been abusive when a vehicle has travelled in the opposite direction

It’s only a matter of time before a serious accident or worse happens.

What is the council going to do??