A WEIGHT limit for lorry drivers is set to be imposed on a busy Yate road.

Vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes will be banned from using Station Road from the New Year.

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council, which is behind the new restriction, said: "The council is implementing this measure to help improve pedestrian safety and generally enhance the local environment, and it has the support of local residents and councillors.

"The council is improving directional signage on an alternative route - Goose Green Way - into Yate, which is more appropriate for HGVs to use.

"The council consulted widely before deciding to introduce this restriction, including offering the opportunity to comment to the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association."

Drivers delivering goods to businesses along Station Road will be exempt from the weight limit.

Yate town councillor Sue Evan-Jones, who lives in nearby Parnall Crescent, said the move had been welcomed by residents.

"There used to be an agreement with companies not to use the road but nobody took any notice of it," she said.

"We get really heavy lorries along Station Road and they are not all deliveries, some are using the route as a cut through.

"A lot of lorry drivers also come down Longs Drive thinking it is an entrance to the Merloni Elettrodomestici factory. They cause quite a nuisance so we are trying to get a sign put up clarifying where the factory entrance is."

Plans are under way to introduce the same weight restriction on Church Road and Cranleigh Court Road.

Added Cllr Evan-Jones: "On Cranleigh Court Road there are two schools, Yate Opportunity Group plus all the sleeping policemen and chicanes.

"Drivers often use it as a cut through to get out onto Goose Green Way and the industrial estates.

"It is very narrow to get through and lorries cause quite an obstruction so we are hoping that these weight restrictions will help."