Police crack down on HGVs ignoring weight limits in Radlett

Police launched the operation in Radlett and Aldenham after complaints from residents.

Some streets have signs warning vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are banned, but according to the county councillor for the area, drivers of overweight vehicles have been ignoring these signs.

For example, there is a weight restriction in Radlett Road/Hartspring Lane, which connects Radlett and Bushey.

Watling councillor Caroline Clapper wrote on Facebook: "Following complaints, I have been working with the police closely on this issue. The main problem seems to be Radlett Road (from Hilfield Lane to New Road) being used as a short cut."

Radlett Road/Hartspring Lane which connects Radlett and Bushey has a ban on vehicles over 7.5 tonnes unless it is for loading purposes. Shown is the junction of Hartspring Lane and Hilfield Lane. Credit: Google Maps

The Conservative politician said police had agreed to focus on the issue as a "priority" for the neighbourhood and that officers will also be visiting and writing to depots of "offending" companies to "educate" them of the restrictions and warn them about upcoming police enforcement.

Hertsmere Police took to social media to inform followers of the outcome of its operation in March.

The force said that "numerous" haulage companies were contacted and during the month, 32 trucks were stopped.

Overall, 19 fines were issued and six drivers were given warnings.

The remaining seven drivers were let off as they were using the restricted roads for loading and unloading purposes which is allowed.

Cllr Clapper added: "Whilst it is unrealistic to suggest police can entirely stop this problem, this work should reduce the number of vehicles passing through the village.

"Hopefully this work will start to improve the volume of HGVs using this route as a cut through. I will update you all on this ongoing issue."