Locally Identified Priorities: Giving feedback - you said, we did

Suggested subject line: Local Priorities for Nether Heyford: You said, we did

Dear Resident

My name is Emma Teagles and I am the PCSO who covers Nether Heyford.  I have been made aware that over the last few months there has been an increase in the number of HGV’s that are incorrectly coming through the village to access the Furnace Lane depot.

I wanted to reassure the community that I am dealing with this situation.  So far I have been in contact with the depot businesses to ask that they update their training packages and to ensure that drivers are using the correct sat-nav which is suitable for HGV’s. I am in regular contact with them going forward.  I have been and checked all the necessary signage is in place on the junctions from Upper Heyford and the A5 entrances at both The Narrowboat and the Furnace Lane junctions.  There is some signage which requires some clarity and have asked the parish council to look at this. Having checked the ANPR data most vehicles are coming in from the A5.

From a police point of view, we have powers to fine the drivers for due care and attention offences but this doesn’t tackle the root cause of the issue. Sometimes the police are not the best agency to deal with these issues.  Each vehicle I have been made aware of has been reported to the traffic commissioner and the DVSA.  The traffic commissioner has the power to impose fines, set conditions or potentially remove the operators licence from the site.  It appears that since this communication and the reports have been submitted the number of vehicles does seem to have lowered. There is the option to look at fines and points but this would affect the drivers and not the business as a whole. If this course of action is the one used we would also need a supporting statement from anyone who provided a photo to confirm they took the photo. 

While the police are not the best agency to deal with this, I am happy to be the point of contact who collates the vehicles and submits the reports to the DVSA and traffic commissioner. I have asked where possible that if these vehicles are being seen, can a photo be taken showing the company name, the vehicle registration plate and then can this be emailed to me with a time and date of when this happened. 

I believe that this message has been passed around however since January I have only had 9 photos sent across to me, two of which have not had the vehicle registrations showing.  Thank you to those who have taken the time to send these across but I am certain there are more that I am not aware of. Can I ask that if you do have some can these be sent to me at emma.teagles@northants.police.uk

I would also ask that if you have had damage caused by these vehicles using the village can you please report these to the police so that these are logged with a number to add to the case.

Thank you for your time. 

PCSO Emma Teagles 
Towcester Neighbourhood Policing Team

Sponsored to Bugbrooke, Nether Heyford and Harpole

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