en.Wedoany.com Reported - National Highways has recently implemented a weight restriction on the A5 through Towcester town centre to ease traffic pressure. The Traffic Regulation Order will prevent vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes from travelling on the A5 through Towcester town centre, thereby reducing noise, improving air quality, and creating a safer environment for the town centre. The weight restriction applies to the section of the A5 from the Cow Pastures Lane roundabout to the Old Tiffield Road junction.

The weight restriction measures were introduced following the opening of the Towcester Relief Road. The relief road, constructed by Persimmon Homes as part of its new housing development, connects the A5 to the A43 and officially opened to traffic today.

Andrew Jinks, Regional Director for the Midlands at National Highways, said: "The completion of the relief road built by Persimmon means we can now progress our plans to implement a weight restriction on the A5, addressing issues raised by businesses and residents regarding congestion, noise, and vibration caused by large vehicles. This is the first phase of work being undertaken by National Highways to respond to some of the concerns and find solutions to reduce the number of heavy vehicles using the A5 daily. Further improvements will be implemented later this year as we continue efforts to improve congestion and safety levels in the centre of this historic market town."

National Highways has worked with Northamptonshire Police to inform nearby businesses and freight companies of the new weight restriction and to advise their drivers to use more suitable alternative routes. The police will also monitor traffic conditions on the A5.

Exemptions to the weight restriction apply only to emergency vehicles, buses and coaches, recovery vehicles responding to nearby call-outs, and vehicles making deliveries to residents, shops, and businesses. Vehicles may also be diverted through Towcester town centre on the A5 when the A43 or the new relief road is subject to traffic diversions due to roadworks, traffic incidents, or emergencies.

To further enhance the benefits brought by the weight restriction and the opening of the relief road, the second phase of National Highways' A5 Towcester improvement scheme is expected to commence in autumn 2026. The works include the construction of a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, along with a signal-controlled crossing.

Councillor Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "We have worked collaboratively with the developer and National Highways to ensure they could deliver this new relief road, which will genuinely bring relief to people living and working in Towcester town centre. The relief road is expected to divert a significant number of heavy vehicles away from the town's main high street, creating a cleaner, more pleasant environment."

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