HGVs could be blocked from busy route as ‘unrelenting stream’ of large vehicles causes chaos for residents

At a full council meeting this month, councillors voted to investigate the feasibility and cost of installing signs along Taunton Road and Broadway to encourage HGV drivers to use Squibbers Way instead.

The alternative route, purpose-built as a relief road, remained underused, with many drivers continuing to pass directly through residential streets.

The proposal follows mounting frustration from homeowners living along Taunton Road, particularly between Canal Bridge and Broadway Junction.

Several residents have reported structural damage to their properties, which they believe has been caused by constant vibration from large vehicles.

The issue was formally raised after a resident on Taunton Road approached the council, requesting action, which prompted discussions at the Town Council’s Transport Forum.

Councillor Tim Mander said: “The Town Council was approached by a resident of Taunton Road who felt more could be done to encourage Heavy Goods Vehicles to use Squibbers Way rather than Taunton Road.

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“The Transport Forum supported the idea, and a productive meeting was held with an officer from Somerset Highways. While we now await some more detailed proposals, the initial cost estimate was certainly within the bounds of affordability.”

Council officials hope that clearer signage will help reduce congestion, improve road safety and ease the daily disruption faced by residents.

Locals have specifically requested that signs be placed near Stockmoor Roundabout, directing large vehicles away from the residential stretch and onto Squibbers Way.

Councillor Mander was keen to stress that the plans do not amount to a road ban and would not affect everyday motorists.

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“The final scheme will of course go back to full council, but what is proposed is about changing the habits of HGV drivers, not restricting domestic vehicles,” he added.

However, satellite navigation systems frequently direct drivers along Taunton Road, reinforcing established traffic patterns that may be difficult to change through signage alone.

The situation is further complicated by wide-load vehicles travelling to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, which are officially routed down Taunton Road.

Councillor Slocombe has confirmed she intends to raise the matter directly with EDF Energy at her next scheduled meeting, in the hope that alternative routing options might be explored.

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The council has been working closely with Somerset Council, advising that a formal position statement must be submitted before the scheme can progress. It has also warned that any new signage would carry cost implications for the town council.

Councillors have agreed that detailed financial investigations would be essential before any final decision is made.

The council will examine costings and design proposals in the New Year, after further discussions with Somerset Highways.

Any approved plan will then return to the full council for formal sign-off before implementation can proceed.