Plans to ban HGVs from using Swindon's most polluted road are now being considered after consultation. 

Swindon Borough Council introduced the idea of preventing heavy vehicles from using Kingshill Road earlier this year after detecting high levels of nitrogen oxide emissions along Kingshill Road in 2018.

This meant that Kingshill was declared an Air Quality Management Area, and so the ban, which would introduce a new 7.5-tonne weight limit for vehicles, was one of the ways considered to make the air cleaner.

But in the latest update on these plans, a spokesperson for the local authority revealed that it had received a 'number of objections'. 

They said: "Thank you to the residents who took part in a recent consultation, which could see HGVs restricted from using Kingshill Road. 

"The consultation invited views on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that would introduce a 7.5-tonne weight limit for vehicles using Kingshill Road between the B4289 Westcott Place and Okus Road junctions.

"The restrictions would be in place at all times and vehicles weighing more than the weight limit would only be allowed access if making deliveries to homes in the area.

"As there were a number of objections, the Council will now formally consider these and reach a decision on the next steps.

"Cabinet Members and ward councillors will be briefed, addressing the objections that have been raised and proposing how best to proceed."

The high amount of pollution on Kingshill Road is thought to be due to factors such as exhaust emissions from large vehicles and the steep incline with houses and trees on either side sheltering the road from winds that may help to disperse harmful emissions.

It is thought that the scheme, if carried out, would help reduce toxic exhaust fumes by around five per cent and according to the most recent survey, would affect an average of 120 HGVs per day. 

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “While Swindon’s air quality is generally good and improving, Kingshill is an area of concern which is why it remains a designated Air Quality Management Area.

“We’ve got an action plan in place to reduce the levels of harmful emissions, and this includes a Traffic Regulation Order for HGVs using the road.

“We’re committed to making Swindon a greener place to live, and improving the quality of air in and around the Borough is an important part of that mission."