Irish haulage operators have been advised that South Gloucestershire Council have accepted a proposal by the Road Haulage Association to allow HGVs to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane on the A4174 Avon Ring road; a vital link that provides access to the whole of the eastern side of the Bristol conurbation.
When the HOV lane was first introduced, the RHA asked for HGVs to be allowed to use it but the request was refused. When proposals to increase the length of the HOV lane were put forward the Association made a further attempt on the basis that haulage companies have to respond to customer requirements and have no choice about delivering in morning peak hours.
Regional Director, Mike Farmer commented: “We used the argument that HGVs should be viewed as freight buses and thus should be allowed to use the HOV lane.
We are delighted the Council accepted this view and it is clear they understand fully the importance of HGVs in delivering daily life to Bristol. We are also very pleased that Councils now appear to be listening to us”.
