Sandwich’s recently adopted weight restriction is effectively reducing the number of lorries entering the town, new figures suggest.

After years of lorry trouble, a new 7.5 tonne weight restriction was enforced on Monday, June 27, prohibiting vehicles over that weight entering the medieval town – unless they were accessing a property.

Inspector Guy Thompson from the Dover Community Safety Unit said: “During the first week of the temporary traffic order in Sandwich a total of eight drivers of goods vehicles were spoken to.

"One was under the weight limit and the others were delivering to local businesses.

“It’s been generally effective as far as we can establish. - Cllr Paul Graeme

“We identified deliveries to one business that had delivery drivers leaving the town using the wrong route, causing disruption, and have worked with them to ensure drivers leave the correct way.

“Local officers will continue to monitor the situation.”

Town mayor Cllr Paul Graeme said: “It’s been generally effective as far as we can establish.

“Evidence says that the number of lorries has reduced and that can only be a good thing for the town.

“People have noticed far fewer lorries, especially the large ones.”

Insp Thompson will provide councillors with a further update later in the year.