Sat navs put lorries on weight-limit roads in Aldridge

Lorries are said to be driving down Dumblederry Lane, over a weight restricted bridge there, and onto other banned roads in the area, including Paddock Lane.

West Midlands Police today said they would be taking action against drivers, as one resident said it was an "accident waiting to happen".

Fears have been raised the lorries are a danger to pedestrians who are also on the weight-restricted roads as well as other vehicles using the narrow bridge in Dumblederry Lane.

Police officers have sent letters to firms in the area to remind them of the rules.

Sergeant Mari Amos, from Aldridge police, said: "Local neighbourhood team officers are actively patrolling the location in order to stop offending vehicles and take positive action against drivers.

"Officers have also delivered letters to transport managers at local industrial estates advising them about this problem and asking them to inform their drivers.

"From initial information, one of the problems would appear to be an issue with sat nav programming."

Complaints have been raised about the issue for the past two years.

Councillor John Rochelle, representative for Aldridge Central and South, said: "I've had numerous complaints about HGVs driving down roads they should not be.

"Some residents have even taken pictures of it happening."

Residents believe the lorries are driving from industrial estates in the town but instead of turning onto Middlemore Lane and Leighswood Lane, they are continuing on to Dumblederry Lane and on to Paddock Lane.

It is believed sat navs calculate this as the shortest route.

One resident of Paddock Lane, who did not wish to be named, said: "The problem is that some of these roads with weight restrictions are quite built-up.

"It's made worse by the fact people park on both sides of the road so you get these big lorries trying to get down narrow roads.

"It is a safety concern."