PLANS to ban HGV lorries from using Usk Bridge at peak times look set to be scrapped, despite longstanding fears over road safety and environmental risks.

Under proposals set out by Usk Town Council and with the backing of Gwent Police, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in weight would be banned from using the bridge between 8am and 11am and 2pm and 6pm.

In a report due to go before Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet today (Wednesday, July 14) councillors are recommended to reject the plans.

Cllr Alec Leathwood, who has staged a sit-in protest on the route in the past, believes the decision not to approve the order will be a large step backwards for the long-running campaign.

“It feels like we are going back to square one as it looks like the plans are not going to be implemented but we have been trying to resolve this issue for many, many years,” said cllr Leathwood.

“We want to work with the local residents and businesses of Usk, particularly those in Woodside, to find a solution that works for everyone. It was hoped that this could be the best one.”

The plans were based on suggestions from Gwent Police and a request from Usk Town Council, who have raised concerns based on the implications of HGV traffic travelling through the town.

Cllr Leathwood added that his main concern relates to safety.

“The High Street, particularly at the narrow end, is very dangerous if two large vehicles are using the road at the same time,” he said.

“They have to mount the pavement and I know that it must be terrifying especially for elderly residents. I know we are about to bring in a 20mph speed limit, which will help, but it does not solve other road safety issues.

“High Street is struggling and we hoped by making it safer, it could possibly lead to increased footfall in Usk, which would help the businesses and traders.”

Monmouthshire County Council launched a period of consultation regarding the prospective order, and received 11 responses to the plans.

Of these responses, six businesses and farms objected to the plans as did the National Farmers Union (NFU) Cymru, while Monmouthshire’s Llanbadoc ward councillor Val Smith did not support the proposal.

Gwent Police, Newport City Council and the Welsh Government all provided comments too.

The fiercest criticism of the plans came from the businesses and NFU Cymru, who strongly believed that their businesses would be affected by this ruling.

Five points were listed in the report, including concerns over HGVs waiting or parking at the bridge until legally able to cross it, which would create further traffic.

The farmers were also worried that the ban of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes would mean they could not accept deliveries in the hours when the ban was in effect.

Andy Hilditch, NFU Cymru group secretary for Usk, said: “NFU Cymru has formally objected to the proposed restrictions for Usk Bridge on the grounds that such conditions would be unworkable for local farmers and farm businesses.

“We believe it is important that the current agricultural exemptions to these restrictions remain in place so as not to adversely impact on farmers and growers operating in and around Usk.”

The stone bridge was built between 1746 and 1747 and widened in 1837, before it became a Grade II listed structure in 1974.

Cllr Bryan Jones, the cabinet member for County Operations, will review the proposal on Wednesday, July 13 during the individual cabinet member decision session.