We believe there is a widespread problem of unmanaged HGV routing, where restrictions in one area simply displace traffic into neighbouring communities. Without Government guidance and oversight, we believe this creates unfair, inconsistent outcomes, increased pollution, and road safety risks.

A coordinated approach is therefore needed to ensure freight is managed fairly and sustainably across regions, rather than shifting the burden from one community to another. Byfleet, for example, already carries what we feel is disproportionate HGV traffic due to existing restrictions. Further diversions from New Haw, Woodham and Row Town would increase pollution, noise and safety risks. Change such as these should require a full impact assessment and a coordinated, borough-wide HGV strategy instead of just shifting the problem elsewhere.