A PROPOSED order to restrict heavy goods vehicles in Usk is set to be rejected.

Plans for a new weight restriction order for Usk Bridge were discussed earlier this year, with the proposed order to prohibit commercial vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes from crossing Usk Bridge between the hours of 8am and 11am and 2pm and 6pm.

A meeting of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) next Wednesday (13th July) will discuss the terms of the order. The report, published by Traffic and Network Manager at MCC Paul Keeble, recommends that the order is not implemented.

The aim of the new order is to replace the existing order which completely prohibits HGVs over 7.5 tonnes from using the bridge, but has reportedly failed to be enforced.

A consultation for the order took place between 12th March and 29th April. A total of 54 individual consultation letters were dispatched.

Responses received in the consultation varied, with concerns being raised in particular about the impact the restrictions would have on businesses and farmers.

NFU Cymru and the six businesses that responded all objected to the order, indicating that the proposal will have serious adverse impacts on local businesses.

It was claimed that local companies would likely have to relocate away from the Usk area to remain viable, with hardship for their personnel, and any attempts to bring new employment to Usk almost certain to fail.

In their response, NFU Cymru also highlighted that HGVs could arrive at the bridge prior to 11am or 6pm and wait on the bridge approach until legally able to proceed, creating chaos in the town.

There were also concerns expressed by Gwent Police about the possibility of goods vehicle drivers, especially those approaching eastwards from Little Mill, arriving at the bridge to find that they were unable to proceed or turn around.

Welsh Government also pointed out that the existing advance direction signs at the A472 and A4042 junctions would need to be replaced or amended at the Usk Town Council’s cost.

A decision on whether to implement the order will be made by MCC cabinet members on Wednesday 13th July.