Portesham residents frustrated with HGV traffic in village

Locals say Portesham, in particular the B3157 and Front Street up Portesham Hill, is frequently used by traffic as a north-south alternative to the Weymouth Relief Road. As well as cars, residents have noticed an increasing number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

These large vehicles clog up the road, much of which doesn't have pavements, and shake the houses.

Residents want to see the size of the vehicles going past reduced but are at a loss as to how this could be achieved.

Simon Case has lived in the village for 15 years.

He said: "I live in a lovely part of the world, it is just a rat run.

"The traffic has been the same, it is just that the vehicles have been getting bigger and bigger. Traffic has got so bad over the past decade.

"It is a shame they built all these nice new roads (the Weymouth Relief Road) and people don't use them because it is cheaper and faster to come through here.

"It would be nice to see the HGVs stop, but I don't think there is a lot you can really do."

Simon Case (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Resident Nikki Carr said: "I had my car parked outside my house and it was smashed into by a big delivery van.

"The traffic starts from 5.30am in the morning, I don't know who comes through, but you hear them maybe until 6pm.

"There is no safe place for children to walk they have to keep jumping into people's drives, it is not a very safe road.

"It is ridiculous. I feel them rumbling through the village. It has only got like this in the past six or seven years. 'Come live in the country' - it's like living in a town."

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Another resident, Peter Manning, said: "I know the parish council have been in touch with companies saying that this road is not a designated route, but I have heard on their round trips it can save them 15 minutes, so there is no incentive for them to stop.

"It would not be such a problem if the people on the road were going a more reasonable speed - not that anyone is speeding - and you did not have those huge wagons."

Neighbour Ruby Prudent-Meadows said: "This road is definitely not built for heavy vehicles, but then you could say the same about tractors and you can't and wouldn't want to stop those.

"I am not sure what could be done about it."

This has been an ongoing issue for many years now.

Resident Mary-Anne Gould recalls that there have been petitions and talk on this issue for years, adding: "I am losing hope that something can be done about it. 

"Occasionally you have something really huge going past and the house shakes a bit."

The Chesil Bank Parish Council have tried to apply for a weight limit on the road, but it was not approved by Dorset Council.

A spokesperson for Chesil Bank Parish Council said: "We have been working in collaboration with the Dorset Council Highways team, which has been actively working to address concerns over the use of inappropriate routes by HGVs.

"Specifically, the council has been focused on advising against HGVs using the route via Winterbourne Abbas down Front Street onto the B3157 to reach their destination at Portland Port. Instead, the Parish Council strongly encourages the use of the designated route along the A35, which is more suitable for such traffic.

"This initiative is driven by the need to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents, as the narrow roads down Front Street are not designed to accommodate large vehicles.

"The Parish Council remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to enhance safety and maintain the quality of life in the community.

"We appreciate the cooperation of HGV operators and drivers in adhering to the preferred routes and contributing to the safety and well-being of our parish."

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Dorset Council does not hold enforcement powers to prevent HGVs from using routes like this one. HGVs are permitted to use any classification of road for access and deliveries. In exceptional circumstances, such as a weak bridge, a weight limit Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) could be used but this would not apply here.

“This is, understandably very frustrating for residents, but it is difficult to restrict the movement of HGVs. HGVs are directed by satnav and signage to use the most appropriate route via main roads but some unfortunately still use the smaller roads.

"To further address this, HGV drivers are signposted to avoid using the Coast Road and stay on the higher classification of highway network with ‘not suitable for HGV’ signs in place on the B3157 at the junction with Chickerell Link Road and at the Crown Roundabout in Bridport.”