Knutsford clamping HGV scandal rages on

Apparently, the controversy over the clamping of HGVs at Knutsford services on the M6 continues, with further queries reaching Commercial Motor about the practice. Last week, for example, CM highlighted Bob Painter, a HGV driver, who parked at the service station to use the toilet facilities, and so had his HGV clamped and was therefore fined £250. Furthermore, another HGV driver contacted Commercial motor, saying that he had witnessed a HGV being clamped at the services, without the HGV driver receiving any warning.

He says: “If you are dying for the toilet, surely the services are built for that purpose, or perhaps not? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of service areas in this country.”

The HGV driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, explains that there was poor signage warning HGV drivers that HGVs are not welcome at the service station.

Apart from all that, a spokesman for Moto, the group that runs the site, responded by noting: “Four years ago, with the full support of the Highways Agency, Knutsford Service Area was closed to all HGVs for parking, but could be used for fuel, as well as emergencies. The one-mile and the half-mile boards clearly indicate this.”

Yet, he also adds that the action was mainly taken due to the lack of parking space for all vehicles at Knutsford, and therefore, the intention was to send HGV drivers to the purpose-built Lymm service station, which is only five miles away and has capacity for 400 HGVs. But still, more and more HGV drivers continue to use the site (Knutsford) and yet, they seem to think they are at liberty to park where they like, especially when the few designated parking spaces are occupied.