COMMUNITY leaders in Yate are unhappy that a proposed ban on lorries in the town's busiest road is to be dropped.

Town councillors say they are frustrated that South Gloucestershire Council has decided not to go ahead with a 7.5 tonne weight restriction along Station Road.

Residents and councillors had campaigned for the introduction of a weight limit and even received funding for a scheme at last year's area forum.

But the proposal was stalled by objections from police, who claim the restriction would be too difficult to enforce.

Dodington Parish Council also objected because members were concerned about its implications on surrounding roads.

Members of Yate Town Council branded the decision a farce' during a full council meeting last week.

Cllr Tony Davis said: "People along Station Road have been saying for years how they want lorries taken off the road.

"It is they who deal with dangerous loads of traffic and heavy fumes everyday.

"So it seems odd to drop the scheme everyone in Yate is asking for. I for one am very disappointed."

Cllr Chris Willmore said: "The police say it would be difficult to enforce. But even if a few law-abiding drivers followed the weight limit restriction that would make a difference.

"The weight restriction will come up on satellite navigation and take those drivers new to Yate away from Station Road."

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Andy McIlrath said: "We objected to the weight restriction along Station Road because it would have been difficult to enforce.

"It would have also tied up a lot of resources, which we believe could be used better elsewhere."

Mark Parry, section engineer for South Gloucestershire Council, said: "Given the objections from the police and Dodington Parish Council, the recommended course of action is that the weight limit proposal for A432 Station Road be abandoned."