Coach gets stuck in Knapp Lane, Ledbury

The coach was pictured in Knapp Lane earlier today (Friday, July 21), causing traffic to back up.

The incident sparked new calls for something to be done about the amount of large vehicles - mostly HGVs - that get stuck in the road, which is one of only a few routes in and out of town in the direction of Malvern.

Suggestions included making Knapp Lane a one-way road from The Homend, widening the road, adding new signage further from the town and even building a bypass.

Bridget Weatherdon said signs making it clear the road is not suitable for coaches or lorries should be put at either end of the road, adding that it was "not rocket science".

Clive Brooks said vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are already barred from the route.

"It is most likely large commercial vehicles using car sat-navs rather than coach or lorry-specific ones," he said. "Once they see the sign they might feel it is too late and are committed."

A previous incident, in which a lorry hit a house, prompted authorities to say they would explore the possibility of improving signage in the area.

READ MORE: Road signage to be reviewed after lorry gets stuck in Ledbury's The Homend

Ledbury Town Council said in November it was aware that vehicles that exceed the permitted weight limits “regularly ignore” road signs located on the outskirts of Ledbury advising drivers not to enter the town centre.

“Whilst this does not fall under the remit of the town council, we are currently working with the police and highways on ways improved signage could be provided so as to avoid such incidents as this happening in the future,” said a spokesperson.

“We would ask that if you witness artic vehicles, or heavy tractors travelling through the town unnecessarily and you are able to get photographic evidence, that you share this with us so that we can work with local companies in making sure their drivers are aware of the rules and avoid the town centre wherever possible.”