Years of lorry trouble in Sandwich could be about to end as a new weight restriction comes into force today.

Any vehicles with a gross laden weight of more than 7.5 tonnes will not be allowed to enter the town unless they are accessing a property.

It comes after countless incidents where lorries have got stuck in the medieval town’s narrow streets, putting pedestrians in danger, damaging historic buildings and causing delays to other road users.

Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme said: “After many years of blight with these large vehicles coming into the town, at last, after a lot of hard work by Sandwich Town Council and the Town Team we’ve managed to get these restrictions enforced.

“I’m sure the town will be a much better place once the lorries stop coming in and all the residents will benefit.”

New gateways now feature on each road in to the town marking the point at which the 7.5 tonne weight restriction starts.

Police are providing special constables to back up the message in the first week. They will stop lorries within the restricted area and will move them on unless they have a legitimate reason for access.

Officers will also be able to enforce the Traffic Regulation Order once it is in place, issuing fines to vehicles that should not be in the town centre.

MP Craig Mackinlay and Sandwich Town Council will write to hauliers whose HGVs breach the restriction, including non-UK companies. Mr Mackinlay will also discuss the order with the new Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott to see what other measures may be taken to publicise and enforce it.

This step forward has prompted the Town Team, a group of volunteers, to announce a change in its role.

Chairman Richard Ralph said: “Although much remains to be done, we feel as though we have reached something of a watershed. Up to now, our role has been to brainstorm the issues. We’ve taken soundings from residents and different interest groups which have enabled us to come up with possible solutions to the admittedly complicated traffic and pedestrian safety problems which increasingly beset this wonderful historic jewel of a market town.

“It is clear to us that, although challenges remain, our elected councillors in the town council, DDC and KCC now have the momentum to carry everything forward. We therefore see our role from now on as being mainly to monitor progress and to provide advice and support which the town council and the consultants require.”