Lorries taking shortcuts through country road disrupts locals
Alan Ferguson • Published 26 Sep 2012 07:30
6 Comments
TRUCKERS have been causing havoc along the quiet road through Stobo as they take a newfound shortcut.
The B712 connects the A72 to the A701 and has began showing on lorry drivers' sat navs as a quick means through the countryside.
As a result HGVs are taking to the road and creating chaos for locals - who've been trying to get it removed from sat nav providers.
The road isn't capable of handling constant use from massive lorries due to its design.
Tweeddale West councillor Catriona Bhatia is putting her foot down to resolve the issue.
She said: "Residents have been complaining about how the old road is being used for lorries as a short cut. You have the timber traffic as well as Asda and Tesco vehicles going down what is essentially an unsuitable road.
"There are small bridges that are just not capable for handling HGVs. I'm not sure yet if there even is a solution, but the issue is on-going.
And the extra traffic is cutting up all the road-side verges, which is causing a problem with the road surfacing.
Catriona and residents are also concerned because the route is a designated and well used cycle route.
She added: "It's the kind of road that's not designed for such heavy traffic going down it.
"We have requested before to the sat nav company to stop directing HGVs down it, but it's not been successful so far.
"We will, however, go back to the council and see what else can be done."
Have the truckers being causing problems for you? Leave your comments below.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 21 Sep 12
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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Trikervix
Unregistered User
Sep 26, 10:02
Report commentThe exact same problem as on the B7007/B709 (Innerleithen/Heriot to A7 road) These roads are just not designed for such heavy vehicles, not only is it a danger to other road users but it causes vast damage to the road surfaces and verges.
Borders council would save a fortune in road repairs if these roads were reviewed!
Recommend?
Yes 4
No 14
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Kirkurd
Unregistered User
Sep 28, 22:35
Report commentActually I think this will reduce traffic on A701 between Broughton and Blyth Bridge which is no better than B712 so I don't see the problem.
Recommend? Yes 5
No 2
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******
Sep 30, 22:42
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
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Mark Bishop
Unregistered User
Oct 1, 13:19
Report commentWho on earth wants to go to Peebles? They still haven't resited the HIDDEN parking sign in the High Street designed to trap motorists into getting a parking fine, despite the fact that they crow that Parking is FREE.....
Recommend? Yes 3
No 4
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Fred
Unregistered User
Oct 3, 13:28
Report commentWhat about the coaches and car drivers that fly down this road? also the farm traffic which has damaged the grass edges (the tractor tyre marks are a give away)?
Recommend? Yes 2
No 0
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I Nisbet
Unregistered User
Oct 4, 15:35
Report commentThe buses use the road to provide a service to the local residents. Tractors use it as they belong to the farms in the area. HGV's are using it as a shortcut between the A701 and A72. However whilst it may be shorter its not always the quickest or the most efficient way. Maybe just maybe if the roads were properly maintained and an prosctive system of maintenance and upgrading of road surfaces was undertaken then most of these issues wiukdntbhappen
Recommend? Yes 3
No 0
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Fred
Unregistered User
Oct 22, 14:02
Report commentAm not sure the coaches that go down this road are a service for local residents I would disagree on that point.
I think everyone needs to drive according to the conditions and nobody should be driving too fast. I see many car drivers speeding along this road and something needs done about this.
Recommend? Yes 1
No 2
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