Calls to fix signs causing HGVs to get stuck in Great Harwood

People living in Great Harwood have called on County Hall to put an end to a problem that is causing traffic delays and safety concerns for residents.

Motorists heading through the town have found themselves stuck in traffic thanks to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) getting stuck while trying to access the Station Road Industrial Estate – as the road is a dead end.

HGV drivers trying to access the estate from its Station Road end in articulated lorries have become stuck on multiple occasions, after realising too late that they will have to do a difficult manoeuvre to turn their vehicle around.

Local councillor and newly-elected Mayor of Hyndburn Borough Council, Noordad Aziz, said that a recent incident had seen a large lorry become stranded, blocking the route, due to an apparent flaw in road signage.

HGV drivers are not being adequately directed to the correct access point for the industrial estate by the current signs on the road, Cllr Aziz said, causing them to take a wrong turn and get stuck on Station Road.

The issue has been formally reported to Lancashire County Council, with residents requesting an urgent review of signage and traffic management arrangements in the area.

Cllr Aziz explained: “This is a problem that has been raised repeatedly by local residents and businesses. We are seeing large HGVs being directed towards a route that is simply unsuitable, leading to vehicles becoming stuck and causing unnecessary disruption.

“The current signage is clearly not preventing these incidents and there is a strong case for an urgent review.

“We need Lancashire County Council to assess what additional measures are required, whether that is improved directional signage, advance warnings for HGV drivers, or clearer restrictions on access. Action is needed before a more serious incident occurs.”

Responding to queries about the issue affecting residents and motorists in Great Harwood, Peter Bell, Highway Regulation Manager at Lancashire County Council, said: “We are aware of at least one HGV problem and we are exploring some additional local signs that are in keeping with the area.”