People are invited to have their say on a new Freight Action Plan. Picture: Wiltshire Council

Have your say as Freight Action Plan aims to reduce impacts of transporting goods

Jamie JonesSeptember 1, 20260 Comment0

A NEW action plan aimed at reducing the impact of transporting goods around the county is being drawn up and the council would like everyone to get involved.

Wiltshire Council is inviting residents, businesses and transport operators to have their say on a new Freight Action Plan, which sets out how the movement of freight and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) should be managed across the county.

Freight plays an essential role in supporting Wiltshire’s economy, from supplying local shops and businesses to serving key sectors such as manufacturing, retail and defence. However, freight traffic can also have a significant impact on communities, particularly in rural areas and historic towns and villages.

The proposed Freight Action Plan aims to support economic activity while reducing the negative effects of freight on local communities, road safety and the environment. It looks at how goods move around Wiltshire now and how this is likely to change in the future, before setting out a range of actions to manage freight more sustainably.

The plan, which the council says aligns with Wiltshire’s Local Transport Plan, focuses on four key priorities: avoiding unnecessary freight movements where possible; encouraging more sustainable ways of transporting goods; improving safety and reducing emissions; and supporting communities affected by freight traffic.

Key proposals include encouraging HGVs to use the most appropriate routes, reducing the impact of freight on town centres and rural villages, supporting low and zero emission vehicles, improving facilities for HGV drivers, and making better use of rail freight where possible.

The plan also updates the county’s advisory freight route network and introduces clearer local access routes for towns, to help guide HGV drivers along preferred roads.

Leader of Wiltshire Council, Councillor Ian Thorn, said: “Freight traffic is an essential part of our economy and is vital for moving the goods and services we all rely on.

“However, we also know that freight traffic can have a significant impact on our towns and villages, which is why we have launched this new Freight Action Plan – to help reduce those impacts and ensure HGVs use the most appropriate routes.

The consultation is now open until September 23. Cllr Thorn added: “We are committed to improving road safety as part of Our Wiltshire Plan, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to take part in this consultation.

“We would like to hear from residents, parish and town councils, businesses, freight operators and community groups. Your feedback will help to shape the final plan before it is adopted, so please do take the time to have your say.”

To find out more about the Freight Action Plan and to have your say, visit the Wiltshire Council website.