Surrey’s HGV Watch

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), also called Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) in the UK, are any truck over 3.5 Tonnes gross combination mass (GCM). Commercial Vehicles weighing less than 3.5 Tonnes are often called light commercial vehicles.

As a transport authority, Surrey County Council has some limited powers to regulate heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements to support the use of suitable roads for traffic flows. This could be where HGVs are using unsuitable rural lanes as through routes, causing damage to the verges or carriageway. The three main methods for dealing with problems relating to HGV movements are:

• Weight restrictions. The most used is to implement 7.5 tonne weight
  restrictions on vehicles using certain roads. Formal weight restrictions
  are enforceable by the Police.
• Width restrictions. A well-located restriction can effectively stop
  unwanted ‘through’ movements whilst still allowing access to an area.
  Formal width restrictions are enforceable by the Police.
• Advisory signing “Unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles”. Where it
  is not possible to implement an HGV restriction, consideration may be
  given to using an advisory “Unsuitable for Large Goods Vehicles”
  sign. However a suitable alternative route must exist before such a
  sign is considered. These signs are not enforceable.
  N.B. It should be noted that these are all restriction notices and NOT
  total bans which allow for access to local businesses, properties and
  farms.

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) should use appropriate routes and should not contravene HGV weight restrictions that have been introduced for environmental or safety reasons.

The most common type of HGV restriction is that of 7.5 tonnes (except for loading). This generally means HGVs with a maximum gross weight of 7.5 tonnes are prohibited by the restriction, however there are often exemptions for loading to allow deliveries etc.

What is HGV Watch?

HGV Watch would is a Surrey initiative to monitor HGV’s contravening the weight restriction on our roads. It is a community driven initiative whereby volunteers, with the support of Surrey County Council and the Surrey Police, monitor HGVs who are found to be driving through existing weight restrictions. Should you need any roads added to the reporting form, please email HGVWatch@surreycc.gov.uk and they can set up a scheme for your area should a weight restriction apply currently.

What is the objective?

The objective is to improve compliance with HGV weight restrictions and to inform HGV drivers, operators and sat-nav providers to help them make better decisions with regards to vehicle routing.

HGV Watch has been really successful in other areas and the repeat offences have reduced so definitely worth reporting any vehicles you observe. It also helps Surrey to see the extent of the problem and make decisions around the signage if not already clear.

The evidence you provide will be invaluable supporting us to tackle HGVs in contravention of weight restrictions.

Process for HGV Restrictions

(also download the pdf here – 24th September 2024)

There are many actions that you need to consider undertaking before applying for any new HGV restrictions in your area. Surrey County Council will not look to implement new HGV restrictions without evidence of the issue in the area or without alternative suitable routes for the displaced traffic, and without financial commitment for the works.

Step 1: Contact your County Councillor to discuss the issue so that it can be
considered alongside other highways concerns across the division.
List of Surrey County Councillors here

Step 2: Submission of request. If your county councillor agrees that it is the top
topic in their division, they will submit the request as their priority for the
Countywide ITS Fund.

Step 3: Design and delivery. If the request is submitted as a priority, it will then
undergo a technical assessment, feasibility study, further evidence gathering of
HGV usage and then statutory consultation. This is likely to take at least 2 years.

Step 4: Create an HGV Watch. If you and other members of your community think
that HGVs are contravening a restriction in your neighbourhood and you would
like to take an active role in monitoring, then forming a group is a good next step.

How To Get In Contact

If you are interested in an HGV restriction in your area:

• Contact your county councillor – If you would like to discuss this as a priority for your area, as part of other priorities within the division. Your Councillors – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

If an HGV restriction is currently in place:

• HGV Watch – If you would like to set up an HGV Watch email HGVWatch@surreycc.gov.uk
• Report through the website – If your community already has an HGV Watch scheme running, then you can follow the link: HGV Watch – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)