PLANS to cut the number of lorries thundering through New Forest villages by up to 65 per cent have been given the go-ahead.
Hampshire County Council has approved proposals to prevent HGVs from using country roads in a huge area bounded by the A31, A36 and A338.
Brook, Godshill and Hale are among the communities that will benefit from the scheme, which is due to come into force in March.
A traffic regulation order will prohibit lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from using B and C roads in the area, except for deliveries.
County highway chiefs say the ban will slash the number of HGVs in the area, achieving an overall decrease of between 18 and 27 per cent.
The impact is expected to be even greater in communities such as Brook, which is likely to see a reduction of 65 per cent.
The ban was approved yesterday by the county council's executive member for environment Mel Kendal, who is also leader of New Forest District Council.
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