Monmouthshire County Council is supporting a community scheme in partnership with Usk Town Council and Gwent Police to cut the number of juggernauts travelling through the town.  Usk suffers from large lorries illegally travelling its narrow streets using the A472 as a short cut and this has been a long standing concern for residents as well as a factor affecting air quality. 

There is currently an environmental weight limit through the town of 7.5 tonnes except for access.

The new Lorry Watch scheme involves the training of 20 volunteers led by Tony Freeman of consultancy and training firm APFUK.  Mr Freeman has experience of similar schemes as a road traffic enforcement officer with neighbouring Gloucestershire County Council.  Volunteers will be instructed to identify potentially offending vehicles and details passed on to APFUK will result in follow up letters to the appropriate company and possible prosecution.

In addition, Monmouthshire County Council is to consult upon a proposal to amend the existing traffic order.  This proposal, if agreed, will make it simpler for both police and Lorry Watch to identify vehicles flouting the law as it will restrict access for lorries currently entitled to travel through the town.

Monmouthshire's Cabinet Member for County Operations, Cllr Bryan Jones said: "Finding a solution to improve the situation for residents in Usk has been difficult.  However, if the number of lorries illegally travelling through the town is as high as some believe, the Lorry Watch scheme will provide valuable support to Gwent Police in ensuring that the current order is observed.  This will have the potential to significantly reduce the number of lorries travelling through Usk.  The scheme is fully supported by Gwent Police and Usk Town Council and is to be welcomed."