AN ACTION plan to drive away large lorries from unsuitable routes is being prepared by Kent County Council.

KCC’s proposals to reduce pressure on rural communities without harming businesses include developing electronic route maps to help firms plan deliveries, ensuring road signs are appropriate, working with the Freight Transport Association and inviting the public to share their concerns.

KCC’s Highways cabinet member Bryan Sweetland – who ordered the installation of ‘No HGV’ signs on Windmill Hill in Gravesend recently – said: “Residents in many towns and villages are familiar with lorries taking the wrong road and getting stuck, blocking roads and, in some cases, damaging buildings.

He added: “This is not about a blanket ban on lorries because companies and businesses have to use our roads and we do not want to limit business. We want to make sure we keep Kent moving by putting HGVs on the best available routes.”