A local authority has unanimously backed stringent new measures which look to prevent Heavy Goods Vehicles from misusing roads.

Wiltshire Council approved the measures last week, which will see the reintroduction of lorry watch programmes equipped with modern CCTV technology.

The motion, proposed by Conservative councillor Philip Whitehead, received support from all 75 members present, with no councillors voting against or abstaining from the decision.

Cabinet member for highways Martin Smith confirmed the authority was already "progressing the reintroduction of Lorry Watch with Wiltshire Police."

GETTY/PA | The move will see HGVs restricted from entering certain parts of the region

The scheme will employ Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras positioned at both ends of weight-restricted routes to capture evidence of violations for police prosecution.

The enforcement plans come as Westbury residents endure severe traffic disruption from lorries avoiding official diversions during essential gas works on the A350.

The road closure, which began recently and is expected to continue until late August, has directed HGVs onto a designated route via the A361 and A36.

But despite clear signage, numerous heavy vehicles have been taking shortcuts through unsuitable residential streets, creating hazardous conditions.

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The changes will see ANPR cameras rolled out to ensure weight restrictions are enforced

Local councillor Mike Phillips described the situation on the narrow Bratton Road as particularly problematic, stating that the B3908 is "totally unsuitable for heavy traffic."

Wales & West Utilities, conducting the gas upgrades, acknowledged additional safety concerns with drivers illegally using the closed section of the A350, endangering both motorists and construction workers.

Whitehead outlined how the updated system would function, explaining that cameras at each end of restricted routes would record vehicle movements and timestamps.

If lorries were not making legitimate deliveries within the restricted zone, the evidence would be forwarded to the police for prosecution.

The technology represented a significant upgrade from earlier volunteer-based monitoring efforts.

Whitehead recalled a previous scheme at a 7.5-tonne weight-restricted bridge in Bradford-on-Avon, where volunteers photographed and recorded number plates of offending vehicles.

That initiative resulted in 1,000 lorry drivers being reported to authorities, with daily violations dropping from "20 or 30" to zero before the programme ended.

The new automated system promises more consistent enforcement without requiring volunteer presence, utilising the same CCTV technology currently deployed by the council to catch fly-tippers.

Westbury residents have reported alarming encounters with HGVs navigating inappropriate routes.

One resident told Phillips he "nearly had his head taken off" when exiting his home, with a lorry passing just 18 inches from his door.

Phillips confirmed reports of HGV front wheels mounting pavements along the narrow residential stretch where properties sit directly against the street.

Residents have experienced vibrations from the increased heavy traffic passing their homes.

The council has also received reports of lorries illegally using weight-restricted routes, including Bitham Park and The Mead, prompting increased enforcement action.

Wiltshire Police have increased patrols in the affected areas to enforce weight restrictions, with the council confirming officers are prepared to prosecute drivers where necessary.

Phillips acknowledged that "tempers are getting frayed" amongst residents and confirmed he was liaising with county officials to resolve the immediate crisis.