A campaign is underway to reduce the number of HGVs using Usk as a shortcut.

Lorries travelling down the town's narrow Bridge Street are a "danger" to pedestrians and shopkeepers, say town councillors, and have caused thousands of pounds of damage to the Usk Bridge.

The problem is not a recent one, according to the chairman of Usk Town Council's traffic committee, but has been getting worse in recent years.

"I came to Usk in 1966 and was knocked down by a lorry when the wing mirror hit me, so it is not a new problem but is getting worse as lorries get bigger and wider," said Councillor Alec Leathwood.

Following demands made by the committee, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has entered into consultation on a shortened Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

An existing order, preventing lorries over seven-and-a-half tonnes from using the bridge, already covers Usk but is difficult to police as it covers such a large area.

The new, more targetted TRO would allow police to follow HGVs from the A449 and stop and book them if they get as far as the bridge.

"MCC has entered into consultation with other local authorities, Gwent Police and road hauliers, who have big budgets and will no doubt object," said Cllr Leathwood.

"We are getting a petition together, which I have invited everyone in the town to sign, and we are encouraging people to write to MCC. The voice of Usk needs to be heard.