Man installs signs to stop lorries getting trapped

A man in Truro has installed signs dissuading lorry drivers from travelling down a notoriously narrow lane after multiple reports of them getting stuck and damaging greenery in the process.

Mark Nicholls said he completed the work on Coosebean Lane after requests to Cornwall Council got him "nothing" in response, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

As well as two trappings this month, there have been recorded incidents of large lorries getting stuck, most notably in the summer of 2019; and in January 2021, where a lorry was jammed for more than 24 hours after recovery efforts failed.

Cornwall Council told the BBC it was "considering" whether current signage needed to be adjusted.

People who frequently use the lane claim that Cornwall Council's highways offshoot contractor Cormac had not installed enough signage, with the nearest warning of what lay ahead half-a-mile (800m) away.

Mr Nicholls said this month's trappings had caused significant damage to a wall on his property and a tree.

He said: "I've tried over the years to get the highways and council to help with no success; but this time I was promised a call back within a week and got nothing.

"I've previously been told the sign near the golf club was sufficient, but obviously not when it's so far away from the lane.

"I erected the signs at the weekend on my land and also by kind permission of the neighbouring farmer.

"I can repair my wall but I can't repair trees and that's what's sad.

"Hopefully this will now stop the destruction of Coosebean Lane."

Cornwall Council said: "Signage is in place on Coosebean Lane advising of the weight restriction and the road being unsuitable for HGVs.

"We are considering if adjustments to the signs are required."

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