Our approach
We will take action where we can and use a practical, common-sense approach.
We understand that residents want quick solutions to local problems. However, lasting solutions take time. We must consider wider impacts and work with others, including through the Staffordshire Freight and Community Forum.
Primary Route Network (PRN)
Some concerns relate to heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) traffic on roads that are part of the Primary Route Network (PRN).
The PRN:
- Connects key places across the UK
- Helps drivers find main routes easily
- Must allow access for vehicles up to 40 tonnes, as set out by the Department for Transport (DfT)
Because of this:
- We cannot introduce weight limits on PRN roads unless the road is reclassified
- Reclassification would require large changes to road signs across multiple areas
- The cost of these changes would be very high and would fall to the county council
Current funding is not enough to support this level of change. For now, we focus on managing local issues.
Working with communities
We work with:
- The Staffordshire Freight and Community Forum
- Parish councils
- County councillors
If a solution has worked well elsewhere, we will share advice and guidance to help other communities.
You can report specific issues, such as problems at local pinch-points, to your parish or county councillor. These can then be raised with the local infrastructure manager.
Common issues with HCV traffic
Road noise
Road noise depends on many factors, including:
- Vehicle speed, size and age
- Road surface
- Tyres
- Layout of the road and nearby buildings
At lower speeds or when braking or accelerating, engine noise is often louder.
Key points:
- There are legal noise limits for vehicles and tyres
- There is no legal limit for overall road noise
- Noise is only usually considered when planning new roads or buildings
We have limited options to reduce road noise through engineering changes. Restricting traffic at certain times is unlikely to make a meaningful difference.
What you can do:
- Consider soundproofing your home
- Use simple measures like planting shrubs as a barrier
- Contact your borough or district council’s environmental health team for advice
Vibration
Passing vehicles can cause vibrations, especially near the road.
Research shows:
- Traffic vibration rarely causes damage to buildings
- HCVs can create vibration, but levels are usually too low to cause harm
Road safety
We understand concerns about road safety involving HCVs.
If you witness dangerous driving:
- Report it to the police
The council:
- Records injury-related road traffic collisions
- Does not record near-misses
You can report concerns about road layout or accident hotspots through the usual reporting channels.
HCVs using unsuitable roads
In many cases, HCVs have a legal right to use local roads, for example:
- Deliveries
- Access to farms in rural areas
- Access to shops or businesses in urban areas
Weight restrictions:
- Must allow access (for example, “except for access”)
- May not stop all HCV traffic
Drivers are responsible for choosing suitable routes.
Introducing weight restrictions:
- Is expensive
- Requires signage across all entry points
- Needs legal orders and public consultation
- Is only considered after other options are explored
- Must be prioritised by the local county councillor
You can report concerns online under the ‘road safety’ category.
Enforcement of weight restrictions
- The council cannot enforce weight limits
- The police are responsible for enforcement, but resources are limited
You can report concerns to the police by calling 101.
Staffordshire Freight and Community Forum
The Staffordshire Freight and Community Forum provides a way to:
- Discuss freight issues across the county
- Work with partners to find long-term solutions
These discussions will continue on a regular basis.