Suffolk Police targeting unlit LGVs after series of lethal collisions
11 April 2013 By Chris Tindall
Suffolk police said they will target unlit LGVs parked overnight in lay-bys after a series of lethal collisions along the A14.
Hauliers will be contacted and encouraged to use designated lorry parks, and if lay-bys are used at night by LGVs then by law they must remain lit.
The county’s roads policing unit said roadside lay-by parking by lorries was a “national problem which has been exacerbated by a number of influencing factors”, which included the economic downturn, the cost of secure parking and drivers’ hours legislation.
In a letter to local businesses it also said the Highways Agency was undertaking work which may result in “a number of lay-bys being open for emergency use only”.
The unit will shortly commence a month-long campaign where unlit lorries will be identified and the drivers spoken to.
The letter added: "Following the education period an enforcement phase will commence.
“Thankfully incidents involving parked LGVs at night are still rare, however, when they do occur the result can be catastrophic, often resulting in serious or fatal injuries.”
Chrys Rampley, crime and infrastructure manager at the Road Haulage Association, said that if sub-standard lay-bys were upgraded then LGVs wouldn’t have to remain lit all night.
“I would agree, it’s much better to be in designated lorry parking area,” she added. “For safety and security they should park in designated truck parking areas where possible. The problem is there’s not enough for them.”
The Highways Agency was unable to respond.
