Calls have been made for urgent restrictions on the size of vehicles entering Ludlow town centre following another incident involving a large lorry trying to manoeuvre.
A concerned resident contacted Ludlow Town Council (LTC) following the incident which reportedly resulted in a bollard “completely pulled out of the ground” outside Bodenhams in the town’s high street.
This, according to the resident, follows another recent occasion where a lorry scraped the Buttercross, although no serious damage was caused.
“I am becoming increasingly concerned that it is only a matter of time before one of Ludlow’s important listed buildings suffers major structural damage,” said the resident.
“Bodenhams itself has already had several near misses over the years due to oversized vehicles attempting to navigate streets that were never designed for modern heavy traffic.
“Over the years, I have collected a considerable amount of evidence, including photographs and videos, of oversized vehicles struggling to pass through the narrow gap between Bodenhams and the Buttercross.
“On numerous occasions, people have had to guide vehicles carefully through the space to avoid collisions.
“Ludlow’s historic centre is one of the town’s greatest assets, attracting visitors from across the country. However, we are continuing to allow vehicles of a scale entirely unsuitable for the medieval street layout to enter highly constrained areas with little room for error.”
LTC was asked if it supported raising the issue with Shropshire Council, explore whether vehicle size restrictions or tighter access controls could be introduced, and if improved signage, enforcement, designated delivery times, or escorted access arrangements could help reduce the risk.
“Until Shropshire Council change the Highways Act for Ludlow, we’ve got no jurisdiction,” said Councillor Glenn Ginger.
“The fact is, lorries are allowed to come in. There is no prospect of putting in a service road because of the restrictions of Ludlow with listed buildings and the conservation area.”
Larger lorries, reported to be 32 tonnes, are used during the May Fair and when the castle holds its summer concerts.
Councillor Matt Taylor therefore asked if a temporary pass could be in place for daily activities.
“You’ve got to be very careful there because what you’re actually saying is that some businesses are more important to Ludlow than others.” said Councillor Ginger.
Councillor Viv Parry added that lorry drivers “are not experts as they make out.”
“You’re always going to have that problem of hit some bollards at the side of a building because they haven’t got the ability,” she said.
“They’re not as good as they used to be.”
Councillor Ginger proposed for there to be no restrictions for lorries up to 24 tonnes, but there should be a banksman that is used to guide larger vehicles.
The proposal was approved.
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