Sat nav blunders leave villagers calling for sign action

LORRY drivers using satellite navigation systems designed for cars are causing misery to residents in Weston.

Heavy goods vehicles coming off Heathpark Industrial Estate are attempting to use the country lane through the village as a shortcut to the A373 and M5

Now villagers are demanding a review of signage at the entrance to Weston and say a simple sign and greater police powers to deal with foreign lorry companies could prevent a serious accident.

Richard Beale, who has lived in the village for 20 years, said: "The vast majority of the lorries are German and Dutch, and all the drivers are doing is following their sat navs.

"They can force their way up through the village so far, but then they come to a hump back bridge before a bend.

"They are forced to reverse and that's when they cause damage to banks, trees and properties."

A woman, who had children in her car, recently had a lucky escape when she drove up behind a lorry that was stuck on the bend.

The lorry started to reverse and villagers say the woman and her passengers could have been crushed in the car, if it was not for her quick thinking.

"She quickly reversed. The lorry could have gone over her car," said Mr Beale.

A sign depicting a lorry with a line through has been approved by the Department of Transport, but cannot be used unless the county council sanctions it.

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