HGV weight limit comes into force on Swindon's Kingshill Road
Lorries over seven and a half tonnes are now restricted from using the road, except for deliveries to homes and businesses
A new weight limit for heavy vehicles has come to Kingshill Road in Swindon.
From today (08/12), lorries over seven and a half tonnes will be restricted from using Kingshill Road, except for deliveries to homes and businesses.
The changes, set out in the Kingshill Air Quality Action Plan, aim to cut pollution and are expected to reduce Nitrogen Dioxide levels by up to five per cent.
The restriction will be in place at all times.
Swindon Borough Council describe Kingshill Road as a steep uphill stretch with houses and trees on both sides, creating a narrow street that traps vehicle emissions.
Due to this layout, pollution doesn’t disperse easily, with the road sheltered from the usual winds that would help clear Nitrogen Dioxide from the air.
The Order is expected to reduce levels by up to five per cent, impacting 120 HGV journeys per day, 60 in each direction.
The work will support existing efforts to improve the air quality on Kingshill road, including the installation of variable messaging signs as well as rescheduled waste and recycling collections to avoid congestion.
Traffic modelling indicates that alternative routes, including Great Western Way (Mannington Roundabout to Transfer Bridges), County Road and Drove Road for vehicles travelling to Old Town or South Swindon, have sufficient capacity to accommodate the diverted HGVs without causing noticeable changes to traffic flow or local environmental conditions. Vehicles heading towards Junction 15 of the M4 or East Swindon can use the Magic Roundabout as part of their diversion route.
In 2024, residents and HGV companies were consulted. The Council then considered a small number of objections, with Cabinet Members and Ward Councillors supporting the work to address the concerns raised.
New road signs have been installed along the diversion route to help HGV drivers navigate the new restrictions and the consulted HGV companies will be contacted to inform them of the new restrictions.
Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport said, “Improving air quality remains a key priority for the Council.
"When Kingshill Road was declared an Air Quality Management Area, we committed to taking meaningful action.
“The Kingshill Air Quality Action Plan, agreed in December 2023, set out a series of measures to reduce Nitrogen Dioxide emissions and this new 7.5-tonne weight restriction is a key part of that plan.
"By taking real action in making this change, I’m pleased we are now able to expect to see improvements in the air quality on Kingshill Road.”