The morning and midday bans have held. Nineteen reports in six months, two permits withdrawn, and one change to the rule after the traders asked for it.
Six months ago the council closed the four streets behind the school to heavy vehicles between seven and half past eight in the morning and between half past twelve and two in the afternoon. This is what has happened since.
Nineteen vehicles have been reported, with the street and the time, which is the only way the council can act. Fourteen were first reports and were dealt with by a conversation at the office. Three operators were reported twice. Two were reported three times and had their night permits withdrawn for a month and their harbour ramp slots refused, which is the sharpest thing this council can actually do and it worked in both cases.
One change to the rule. The market traders asked for an exception for produce arriving before seven, pointing out that a lorry at half past six is on empty streets and that the alternative is unloading at nine into a market that opens at five. The council agreed it in the open meeting and the ban now starts at seven rather than at six.
One request refused. A contractor asked for a standing exception for a build behind the school on the grounds that the alternative added two weeks to the programme. The council said no and offered night permits instead, which were used for eleven pours without a single complaint from the neighbours.
What the council cannot do, and it comes up every time. This council has no power to issue a fine to a driver. Anybody who tells you otherwise is mistaken. What it holds is the permits and the harbour slots, and losing either of those costs an operator far more than a fine would, which is why the log at the office is worth keeping.
So keep reporting. The street, the time and the vehicle if you can see it. The log is read out at every council meeting, and that is what has made the difference here rather than any rule on paper.
