A COUNCILLOR has welcomed a new weight restriction brought in to help traffic in Covingham and vowed to keep up the pressure to ensure the law is enforced.

The 7.5 tonne weight restriction traffic regulation order on Merlin Way was introduced by Swindon Council on December 19.

Councillor Dale Heenan, who represents Covingham and Dorcan, said since 2005 he has been working to make the area safer for drivers.

“In 2005 I secured the signs near the A419 slip road and Oxford to direct HGVs away from Covingham,” said Coun Heenan. “The traffic surveys carried out showed that the number of HGVs passing through Covingham had reduced. Now nine years later after campaigns by local residents, Covingham Parish Council and myself a ban along Merlin Way has been introduced.

“Last summer I approached Covingham Parish with the idea of Lorry Watch. To their credit they ran with it and organised residents to gather the evidence we needed for this restriction. In March this was submitted and Swindon Council has responded. This was positive community action on a local issue.

“Any heavy lorry over 7.5 tonnes travelling along Merlin Way is now committing a moving traffic offence which the police can enforce. In 2014 we must ensure appropriate monitoring by the council and enforcement when appropriate by the police “This traffic regulation order is an important marker for the future, because of the potential impact of future development to the east of the A419. Construction vehicles will no longer be able to use Merlin Way as a short-cut.”