Residents backed by Trading Standards officers from North Yorkshire County Council have set up a “lorry watch” scheme in the cobbled area of Church Street in a bid to bring some peace and quiet to the neighbourhood.

For years, commercial vehicles have shattered the peace of Church Street by ignoring a 3.5 tonne weight restriction between the hours of 10.30am and 4pm.

Although the restriction was introduced 12 years ago, it is flouted regularly according to the county council, sometimes by dozens of drivers every day.

Now people living in the area have been given guidance in recognising which vehicles are defying the ban.

Trading Standards officers follow up their sightings by contacting the delivery companies concerned. Usually a word of warning is sufficient, but in some cases drivers can end up in court – facing fines of up to £1,000.

Coun Dorothy Clegg, a spokesman for the residents, said: “We fully realise that local businesses have to receive deliveries. But this narrow street is often thronged with tourists during the middle of the day, and getting in and out of the street can be a nightmare when there are so many pedestrians about.

“We are very pleased that North Yorkshire Trading Standards are taking such a proactive role, and helping us to make Church Street a safe and pleasant place.”

County Councillor Clare Wood, executive member for Trading Standards and Regulatory Services, said: “I personally place great importance on road safety and environmental safeguards, such as weight restrictions.

“Local communities should feel that their local authority is listening to their concerns and I’m pleased that the county council is taking such positive action.”

A Trading Standards officer was due to meet Coun Clegg yesterday to talk through how the scheme would work.

New signs indicating the scheme is in operation will also be introduced.

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