"As part of its localism programme, the Government has empowered local authorities to change the designation of roads which could end the misery of local residents" says Michael Fabricant. In a little trumpeted move, all but ‘Strategic Roads’ such as motorways and major trunk roads like the A50 and the A38 which are generally dual carriageways, can now be redesignated by local authorities without having to obtain permission first from Whitehall.

"I shall be approaching Staffordshire County Council to ask that they look again at the A515 on the stretch which passes through Kings Bromley and Yoxall which have suffered for years from heavy trucks passing through the villages. I will also ask them to look at the A513 which passes through Kings Bromley. This is just a rat run for HGVs which ought to be using the dualled A38.

"The Government has now made it easier to set a 20mph speed limit, change roads from A roads to B roads, and introduce chicanes and other traffic calming measures to deter heavy goods vehicles from using particular routes.

"Locals will need to decide first whether they want a 20mph limit or traffic calming introduced before I approach the Council.

"But this change in regulations which only came into operation this month could spell the end to truck misery for many villages in the midlands" adds Michael.

The Government says:- "The need for flexibility is particularly strong for certain types of traffic. In some areas HGVs will necessarily have to travel by difficult roads; whilst in others there will be more flexibility in routing, and local authorities will be able to take a view of which route suits traffic best."