LORRIES travelling along one of Weymouth’s most polluted streets, despite a diversion, are causing ‘suffering’ for residents.

Levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide exceed safety guidelines on Boot Hill and a diversion for HGVs was put in place away from the route after uphill acceleration was identified as a key contributor to high emissions.

However, one resident from Rodwell Road at the top of the hill says not only is there an issue from the emissions but noise pollution too as lorries avoid the diversion route.

Dorset Echo: New signs have gone up in Weymouth to direct southbound HGVs away from Rodwell Road Picture: Dorset Council

Martin Gascoigne, 64, said: “There is noise pollution every morning from empty lorries I suspect going to Portland.

“Other people in the area have been experiencing the same problem because they are really loud - people are suffering with it.

“It starts from about 4.45am in the morning until 6.30am, all various companies, and it is very disturbing.”

Mr Gascoigne says the issue has been ‘going on for a while’ but has had enough with it.

In December a diversion route for HGVs was put in place away from Boot Hill starting at Chafeys Roundabout directing lorries down Weymouth Way and through the Granby Estate to Portland.

However, the Weymouth resident says he was not even aware of the diversion route initially and was surprised it was in place given all the noise disruption from lorries in the morning heading to Portland.

He continued “Is it imperative they have to start at that time? I know they are running a business but could they not start later or could they follow the other route?

“I work and I am usually up around 5.30am so it’s not so bad for me but I am not just thinking of myself but others who do not get up before the noise.”

Mr Gascoigne added that he felt for those who perhaps would like to lay in during the mornings or generally do not have to be up until later for work or school runs.

In response to the concerns, a Dorset Council spokeswoman said: “The new signed HGV route to Portland is advisory and aims to reduce pollution on Boot Hill. It signs large vehicles to access Portland by using Weymouth Way, Granby Way, Hampshire Road, Cumberland Drive (Granby), Lanehouse Rocks Road and Portland Road, and to use Boot Hill in a downhill direction only.”