Weight limit and lower speed limit agreed for Dawson Lane in Chorley

Wagon drivers will not be able to use Dawson Lane near Buckshaw Village as a through route after new rules have been brought in.
Dawson LaneDawson Lane
Dawson Lane

The road, which links the A6 in Whittle-le-Woods to Buckshaw Village will also see the speed limit dropped to 40mph, replacing the current national speed limit.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet agreed to introduce the 7.5 tonne restriction to discourage HGVs from using the road as a cut through to access the commercial areas of Buckshaw Village.

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County councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As Buckshaw Village has continued to expand our local highways team has been monitoring the impact on local roads.

“There has been an increase in HGVs using Dawson Lane, and we’re introducing the weight restriction to move this through-traffic onto Buckshaw Avenue, which is a more suitable route for these large vehicles.

“HGVs will continue to be able to use Dawson Lane for access if they need to in order to make a pick up or delivery, but not as a through-route.

“At the same time we’ll be reducing the speed limit to 40mph which recognises that Dawson Lane is now a busier road, with this speed limit being more in-keeping with other roads nearby which are similar in character.”

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Work is already underway to introduce the new 40mph limit and signs will be put up over the coming weeks to bring both changes into force.

Clayton and Whittle county coun Mark Perks, alongside residents and the parish council, has campaigned for the changes to be made for many years.

Welcoming the move he said: “For years I have been campaigning on behalf of the residents who live along this road and the pedestrian users after reports of near misses, actual accidents and the increased size and speed of HGV’s using the road from junction 8 of M61 to Matrix Park on Buckshaw.

“LCC dismissed requests for a weight restriction and reduction in the speed limit every time then the police had a change of mind in 2016 indicating they supported the idea.

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“LCC initially indicated at the end of 2016 a consultation would start, they then forgot about it until I reminded them in 2017.

“A consultation has now taken place which led to the decision last week by LCC to introduce the two schemes.

“To say local residents and myself are delighted would be an understatement.”

Formal consultation on the proposed weight limit was held between January 19 and February 21.