A GOVERNMENT decision to allow bigger lorries on the district's roads has angered local transport campaigners and environmentalists.

The Government has given approval to heavier lorries, from 41 tonnes to 44 tonnes, which will now have complete freedom to run on main roads and minor roads in Lancaster and nearby rural areas.

But campaigners claim the increase will make conditions on our roads even worse, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

They are particularly concerned about people living on near roads in Hornby, Melling and Galgate where pavements are narrow or non-existent.

Speaking this week, Prof John Whitelegg, the parliamentary candidate for the Greens in the Lancaster, said: "I am bitterly disappointed with this increase in lorry weights. I have campaigned for many years against big lorries on rural roads. These lorries increase road traffic accident dangers, they are polluting and they make walking, cycling and horse riding very dangerous or impossible. They thunder past people's homes causing noise, vibration and structural damage and there are many alternatives that are being ignored."

He added: "Government is currently encouraging children and parents to make trips to schools on foot or by bike. There are huge advantages for everyone in encouraging a move away from car trips for the journey to school but this increase in lorry weights makes a mockery of the whole idea. How can anyone be encouraged to walk and cycle when huge lorries are thundering past".

He has written to John Prescott demanding that lorry weights are reduced, speed limits enforced and rural areas given special financial assistance to combat the lorry menace.