Residents in a historic west Suffolk village have been left frustrated over the delayed implementation of an HGV limitation on a narrow lane.

East Anglian Daily Times: County councillor Robert Lindsay, left, and parish council chairman Carroll Reeve in Water Street, Lavenham, where long proposed weight restrictions for HGV's have still not been implemented Picture: ANDY ABBOTTCounty councillor Robert Lindsay, left, and parish council chairman Carroll Reeve in Water Street, Lavenham, where long proposed weight restrictions for HGV's have still not been implemented Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Suffolk County Council approved a measure for an experimental one-way weight limit of 7.5 tonnes on Water lane in Lavenham last year – but so far nothing has been done.

Villagers have been calling for a limit for many years after repeated incidents of damage to old properties along the lane and minor accidents, which have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

When asked by the EADT, Suffolk Highways said it was now able to announce the completion of the experimental traffic regulation order – which will enable work to start in August.

Carroll Reeve, Lavenham Parish Council chairman, said people in the village have been left “very frustrated” by the lack of action.

“We started talking to Suffolk County Council Highways two county councillors ago,” he said. “So it’s been talked about for over five years.

“The original proposal was actually raised by a highways officer and they came up with this proposal of an experimental one-way weight limit.

“It was their bright idea but it hasn’t happened.

“People are very frustrated by it, Water Street can just get snarled up and if you have a lorry going one way and a bus going the other way, it’s pandemonium.

“It is exacerbated by inconsiderate street parking, some is that of residents and some is not, and it all ends up in a sticky mess.

“Fortunately, there have been very few serious accidents but we have consistently seen minor accidents, like vehicles scuffing one another.

“I get reminded of it on a daily basis. If I go out for a pint of milk or a loaf of bread, you can bet your bottom dollar that someone will point out the traffic or the parking and ask me what I’m doing about it.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Highways said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to local residents.

“However, we are glad to be able to announce the completion of the experimental traffic regulation order on Water Street, Lavenham.

“The order will be made by late July and will enable works to take place mid-late August, this work will include installation of road markings and traffic islands.”