Thanks to Caren Draper for sending in the photograph in this article, as last Friday saw another HGV trying to squeeze through the Landgate, probably directed there by the driver’s sat nav. The Unitruc lorry bore a British number plate so there wasn’t a language barrier as with previous drivers attempting to access the high street.
Luckily, passers-by persuaded the driver not to go further but the next manoeuvre, reversing into incoming traffic, caused its own problems as even the most skilled of drivers would probably find this taxing without damaging the Landgate in the process.
It seems only a question of time before the Landgate Arch is damaged, then what? Who will sort out the aftermath? Who picks up the bill? What disruption will repairing the damage cause if this happens? What’s the solution?
It has been suggested before but better signage can only help. Something which clearly states the limitations on height, width and suitability of vehicles to pass through the arch. Restoring the Landgate is already a ‘hot potato’ but the real possibility of further structural damage will only make a difficult situation even worse. Prevention is better than cure, something needs to be done and now.
Image Credits: Caren Draper .