Sir, – Sutton under Whitestonecliffe Parish Council has received four independent reports over two consecutive mornings of HGVs stuck on Sutton Bank between 8am and 9am.

Extracts from these reports include, on the first day: “HGV downhill reversing on left hand side of the road on bend near run-off area. Driver waved me on and I almost collided with an up-coming HGV which had to stop to let me through.”

A second person stated: “Non-articulated HGV stuck just passed the final hairpin. A second truck was reversing down the bank on the downhill side and was attempting to reverse into the layby. Traffic chaos ensued in both directions with dangerous overtaking on all sides. No police in attendance, just angry motorists”

On the next day, the first report stated: “HGV stuck on the bank near the hairpin, with police in attendance.”

A resident reported a second vehicle reversing at the foot of the bank causing the usual mayhem.

None of these vehicles are operated by local hauliers who are familiar with the hazards of Sutton Bank and capable of ascending without stalling. The names of the operators were reported and they come from Holland, Bromsgrove, Sheffield and Lincolnshire.

These incidents are dangerous. They cause delays to all road users and force traffic, including other hauliers, onto unsuitable narrow side roads via neighbouring villages. They also mean mounting costs for the emergency services and other road users.

Please sign the petition on the internet demanding a ban on heavy lorries from outside the local area by going to Petitions 24.com Sutton Bank.

Councillor JOHN SHARP

Sutton under Whitestonecliffe, Thirsk.