Lorries (HGVs)
in Bungay
The problem, the rules, and what residents can do
The problem, the rules, and what residents can do
You only have to walk through St Mary’s Street or towards the shops in Earsham Street to see how many large lorries pass through the centre of Bungay every day, often just inches from pedestrians already navigating narrow pavements.
From time to time these vehicles become stuck, causing traffic chaos and long delays.
Many residents and business owners believe the volume and size of HGV traffic is simply incompatible with Bungay’s narrow historic streets.
If you are affected, or feel strongly about the issue, we urge you to write in.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Bungay face a number of restrictions designed to manage traffic flow and protect the historic town centre.
Southbound HGV traffic is generally prohibited from passing through the town centre, although northbound HGV traffic is still permitted in some circumstances.
This means articulated lorries of up to 44 tonnes are currently allowed to come from Halesworth on the A144, drive down St Johns Street and Lower Olland, along St Mary’s into Earsham Street, turn right in Chaucer Street, then turn right into Popson Street and left into Broad Street, before joining the A143.
Other HGVs also use the town in ways that contravene traffic regulation orders (TROs). Any large lorry not delivering, driving along Broad St to the town centre, going down Bridge Street or along Trinity Street is likely ignoring HGV restrictions.
Bungay’s medieval street layout and narrow roads are clearly unsuited to modern heavy freight traffic. Residents frequently raise concerns about:
As many of us have witnessed, it is also not uncommon for HGVs to become stuck, causing tailbacks and temporary gridlock in the centre of town.
Lorry Watch was established in 2025. Twelve trained local volunteers monitor and report HGVs believed to be breaking Bungay’s traffic restrictions.
Complaints are handled by Trading Standards. However, like many public services, enforcement teams face funding pressures and limited resources.
Keeping reports flowing is important. It shows Trading Standards and Suffolk County Council that residents are paying attention and expect the rules to be enforced. If the pressure drops, the issue risks being ignored.
Lorry Watch would welcome more volunteers.
You can sign up via the Bungay Town Clerk, or contact us and we will happily explain what is involved: bungaytrafficforum@gmail.com
I live on Flixton Road and was walking south when a large articulated lorry stopped beside me. “Excuse me — am I right that I’m coming into a small town?” He was clearly frustrated that the signage and his satnav had brought him through Bungay when he should have stayed on the A143.
— Robert, Flixton Road resident
One morning at about 4am I woke to the sound of a heavy lorry engine idling outside. I pulled on some clothes and ran outside shouting “No! No!” to stop the driver crossing. I now sleep at the back of the house partly to avoid these night-time dramas.
— S Gagen, Earsham Street resident
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