Frustration as lorries 'shun' town's new bypass

Residents have said they are frustrated that large numbers of lorries continue to use a road into Melton rather than the town's new £131m bypass.

Pork Pie Way opened in May providing a new 4.4-mile (7.1km) route around the north and east of the town.

However, residents in Burton Road have said they are still seeing HGVs "thundering past" their homes at all hours despite the availability of an alternative route.

Leicestershire County Council, the highways authority, said it would look at steps to encourage lorry drivers to use the bypass.

"We thought things would get better when Pork Pie Way opened," said Burton Road resident David Curran.

"The new road is there for lorry drivers but they just are not using it.

"We're still getting 200-plus HGVs a day at least coming past our homes.

"Burton Road has always been busy but we thought when the new road opened we were finally going to get some relief from things.

"We said we'd give it a couple of weeks for drivers to get used to things but things just haven't changed."

The council said part of the problem had been caused by a diversion route set up while overnight resurfacing takes place on the A1 in Lincolnshire.

A spokesperson for the authority said: "National Highways is currently carrying out resurfacing work between Foston and Little Ponton, which requires overnight closures of the A1 southbound carriageway between Barrowby and Harlaxton from 1 July to 14 July 2026, between 20:00 BST and 06:00 each night.

"We are working closely with National Highways to ensure their diversion signage is updated during the closures to encourage drivers to use Pork Pie Way."

National Highways subsequently told the BBC signs diverting traffic through Melton had been removed and now pointed vehicles towards Pork Pie Way.

The council spokesperson added: "Pork Pie Way opened in May and provides a direct route around Melton and can also carry vehicles diverted from the A1 during planned closures and incidents.

"The route provides a reliable alternative, helping keep traffic away from smaller local roads and residential areas.

"As with any major new road, it can take time for driver behaviour and route planning systems to adapt.

"We will continue to monitor traffic patterns and review feedback from residents to ensure drivers are making full use of the new route."

"I think part of the problem is habit and a bit of lorry drivers' belligerence," Curran said.

"They always used this road before so they've decided they are going to keep using it.

"When they stop and you can challenge them, they can be quite abusive."

He said he wanted Leicestershire Police to properly enforce a 7.5-tonne (7,500 kilos) weight restriction on Burton Road.

The force said it would carry out an operation to "engage" with HGV drivers over the restriction.

A force spokesperson said: "The information gathered will help ensure that any future action is evidence-based and focused on achieving long-term improvements for both residents and those who use the road network professionally every day."

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