Villagers fear tragedy as lost lorry drivers seek a way out

Angry villagers have spoken out about sat-nav directions stranding foreign lorries in narrow country roads at Colerne.

Over the past year residents have seen an increase in the number of European lorries taking wrong turns through the village.

The vehicles are then forced to turn around, blocking roads and creating a potentially hazardous situation.

In a recent incident three Dutch lorries caused chaos near the primary school when they all reversed at the same time.

Parish councillors believe the problem has been created by the wrong directions being placed on sat-navs and inadequate signage on the roads around the village.

Cllr Phil Chamberlain said: "There has been an increase in traffic over the last 18 months, but in the last month or so it has got ridiculous.

"It has really got quite out of hand. They're not just clogging up the main roads, they are coming right into the village itself. Sat-nav and signage are both part of the problem."

Many of the lorries are travelling to Colerne airfield where a pallet company is based at one of the hangars.

The parish council has recently been in touch with the company and a meeting has been set up for November 17 so the two parties can try to resolve the issue.

Cllr Mary Harvey said: "The main aspect for us is safety. The lorries get themselves into a jam and then they can't extract themselves.

"We are worried it's an accident waiting to happen. As a village we are fed up with it because of the danger and chaos."

Wiltshire County Council is looking at installing new signs designed to keep lorries away from unsuitable roads.

A spokesman for the council said: "We have recently been made aware of the issue and are talking with the police, local companies and neighbouring authorities in an effort to alleviate the problem.

"We will be applying to the Secretary of State for permission to use advisory signs reading 'route unsuitable for HGVs' and featuring an image of a lorry with a red bar cutting through it.

"Should these be approved, it is hoped that they will deter continental drivers who follow instructions given by satellite navigation systems along unsuitable roads."