Heavy goods vehicles will be banned from using Kingshill Road from Monday, 8 December, as Swindon Borough Council introduces a permanent 7.5-tonne weight limit to help tackle poor air quality in the area.
The move forms part of the Kingshill Air Quality Action Plan, following the road’s designation as an Air Quality Management Area. The new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will apply to all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes between Westcott Place (B4289) and Okus Road, with exceptions only for lorries making local deliveries.
Kingshill Road is a steep, enclosed stretch, lined by houses and mature trees. Its shape traps emissions and prevents Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) from dispersing, with limited airflow compared to other parts of the town. According to the Council, the new restriction could cut NO₂ levels by around five per cent, removing up to 120 HGV journeys a day, split equally in each direction.
The scheme supports other air-quality measures already in place, including variable message signs and rescheduled waste and recycling collections to ease congestion during peak times.
Traffic modelling suggests that diverted HGVs can be absorbed by alternative routes — including Great Western Way, County Road, Drove Road and the Magic Roundabout — without causing significant delays or environmental impacts. Drivers heading towards Old Town, South Swindon or the M4 at Junction 15 will be redirected accordingly.
Residents and haulage companies were consulted last year, with the Council reviewing a small number of objections before approving the change. New signage has already gone up across the diversion network, and haulage firms involved in the consultation will be directly informed.
Councillor Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said the move was a key step in delivering the Council’s long-term commitments.
“Improving air quality remains a key priority for the Council. When Kingshill Road was declared an Air Quality Management Area, we committed to taking meaningful action. This new 7.5-tonne restriction is a major part of the plan, and I’m pleased we can now expect to see improvements on Kingshill Road.”
The restriction comes into force in just a few weeks, ahead of the busy Christmas traffic period.
