LCC Highways considered response to HGV's using Simonstone Lane
11th of September, 2026
In July 2026 Simonstone Parish Council wrote to Matt Townsend, LCC Highways, informing them of the large vehicles (tractors pulling trailers, large trucks and coaches) using Simonstone Lane on a frequent basis, despite the 7.5 tonne weight limit. The Council requested that Lancashire County Council Highways Department visit the road themselves to assess the damage that has been caused by these vehicles, and look to increase the signage and surveillance/monitoring at either end of the route to redirect HGVs elsewhere.
Please see below a letter from Matt Townsend, offering LCC's considered response:
Dear Dr Haines,
Thank you for your email last week and for the information provided on behalf of Simonstone Parish Council about large vehicles using Simonstone Lane. I appreciate the concerns raised by residents about the size and speed of vehicles, the narrow nature of the road, and the reported damage to property, verges and highway assets.
Simonstone Lane is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction, but this includes an exemption for access. This means larger vehicles may lawfully use the route where access is required to premises or businesses served from the lane. The presence of a large vehicle on the road does not, in itself, confirm that the restriction has been breached.
We are responsible for the provision and maintenance of the traffic signs associated with the restriction. Our records indicate that the relevant signage is in place, visible and compliant with the applicable requirements. At present, we are not aware of evidence that would justify additional restrictions or further signing specifically prohibiting particular vehicle types. Nor do we consider that the installation of surveillance or monitoring equipment would be justified.
We do not have powers to enforce traffic offences or investigate alleged breaches of the weight restriction. Enforcement of these restrictions is a matter for the police. Where the Parish Council or residents believe vehicles are using the route without a legitimate access requirement, or are otherwise committing traffic offences, these concerns should be reported to the police. Photographs or video footage showing the vehicle registration number can assist the police with any investigation. You can contact them for any traffic offences on the non-emergency telephone number: 101, or on the police's 'Do It Online' webpage.
With regard to the speed of vehicles, we do work closely with the police to identify and target locations where casualty records and vehicle speeds indicate an evidenced road safety concern. Where there is evidence that intervention is required, we will consider appropriate mitigation measures. However, we are not responsible for enforcing speed limits or addressing driving offences. Only the police can do this, and any speeding concerns can be reported directly to them via their Speed Concern Submission portal.
Following a review of the available casualty and speed data for Simonstone Lane, we have installed temporary road safety signage between April and June 2026 to encourage motorists to consider their speed. We will reinstall the signs between October and December 2026 to maximise the effectiveness of the message.
The location also meets the criteria for deployment of one of our temporary Speed Indicator Devices (SpIDs). Simonstone Lane remains on our deployment schedule and will be considered for a further deployment sin due course.
With regard to your request for traffic count information, we have checked our records and do not hold any traffic survey data for Simonstone Lane covering the periods requested since 2022.
With regard to the request for the county council to visit the road and assess damage, any specific highway defects, verge damage or safety concerns should be reported through our online reporting tool or via the Love Clean Streets app, so that they can be inspected and considered in accordance with our usual highway safety inspection process.
I hope this response clarifies our position.
Kind regards,
Matt Townsend