Lorry drivers facing lay-by ban

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Lorry drivers are being banned from parking in lay-bys for more than two hours in parts of Cumbria because of the rubbish they leave behind.

Cumbria Council Council is posting 30 warning signs on routes around Carlisle after complaints from residents and rising clean-up costs.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said more permanent facilities were needed for drivers who needed overnight stops.

The ban applies to parts of the A6, A595, A689 and A7.

Drivers who flout the restrictions could face a fine.

A council spokesman said: "We have been under pressure to take action.

Facilities overwhelmed

"In some cases there has been significant materials which the council has then had to clear up at considerable cost.

"We consult with the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association as part of our statutory processes.

"At the moment this is purely dealing with the Carlisle district and there are obviously exemptions for vehicles that suffer a mechanical breakdown."

He said the council was also concerned at drivers who leave trailers in lay-bys overnight.

A spokesman for the RHA said: "We have encouraged our members to tell drivers that they have to be considerate of other road users.

"But, of course, the facilities at lay-bys get overwhelmed very quickly and it looks like there is a lot of rubbish because the bins are full.

"There is lack of permanent facilities and hopefully the authorities will look at this problem and provide proper parking."

Cumbria County Council said three long-stay parking facilities were available in the Carlisle area.