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Lorry caused traffic chaos in Sandwich on Monday highlighting need for solutions to go ahead

00:00, 06 January 2016

updated: 12:31, 06 January 2016

A lorry caused yet more traffic chaos in Sandwich on Monday when it became stuck in Strand Street.

The HGV, which was transporting a digger, tried to navigate through the narrow streets but could not pass Breezy Corner.

It is believed it had to reverse back up Strand Street in order to exit the medieval town.

Lorry transporting a digger stuck in Strand Street in Sandwich
Lorry transporting a digger stuck in Strand Street in Sandwich

The incident, which happened at around 11am, caused traffic delays but the vehicle was not stuck for very long.

It was guided by a PCSO after it came to a standstill at Breezy Corner before turning right on to Strand Street only to get stuck again after just a few yards.

Lorry in Strand Street
Lorry in Strand Street

Efforts are currently under way to find a solution to the town’s traffic problems. Sandwich Town Team has campaigned for action over pedestrian safety, speeding and HGVs damaging the medieval buildings.

Part of the solutions will include more signage for lorries to warn them of the 7.5 tonne weight restrictions, tighter traffic regulation orders, and chicanes in the High Street to combat speeding.

These measures have been agreed with Kent County and Dover District councils, and are the first phase of a long-term plan, outlined by the town team’s white paper in November last year.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday
Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday

The first steps are expected to be completed soon, but a date for when the work will actually get under way has not yet been given by the county council.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "An officer in patrol in Sandwich came across a lorry that was having trouble navigating in Sandwich.

"Traffic was briefly backed up in Harnet Street to allow the vehicle to turn right and reverse down the road towards Gazen Salts."

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