'CHAOS': Residents call for action after Evri lorry gets stuck trying to turn in quiet village near Northampton

Nether Heyford r esidents say they are fed up after another HGV became stuck in Furnace Lane, with an Evri lorry the latest to cause problems in the village last week.

The incident is the latest in a series of concerns over HGVs using the narrow road, with residents saying large lorries continue to get into difficulty despite the 7.5-tonne weight restriction.

One resident said: "What I saw earlier was a joke. We have had lampposts and cars hit. After today with the driver getting stuck, nearly taking out a fence and causing chaos as he blocked the road, something needs to happen."

Another said: "This is at minimum a weekly occurrence, causing chaos every time."

Another wrote: "Does the company know this is happening?"

Another added: "Evri, as usual, delivering to the wrong address."

Another resident said: "Poor driver. What a nightmare. I bet he's cursing Google Maps."

Responding, Evri said its vehicles are permitted to use the route because the 7.5-tonne restriction includes an exemption for vehicles requiring access.

A spokesperson said: "Road safety and compliance with local traffic regulations are top priorities for us.

"Our vehicles are between 4.2 metres and 4.6 metres high which means, due to low bridges, there is only one suitable route available to reach the site safely. Drivers are provided with clear route guidance, including detail of local restrictions, and are reminded of the importance of following these instructions at all times.

"It is important to note that the 7.5-tonne weight restriction on this route includes an exemption for vehicles requiring access. We understand residents' concerns and remain committed to operating safely, legally and with consideration for the communities we serve."

However, ward councillor Phil Bignell questioned Evri's explanation, saying it "does not make sense".

He said: "Yes, there is an access for trucks over 7.5 tonnes but the height restriction means their lorries do not go under bridges. From what I gather the HGVs are not using HGV GPS and so does not flag up restrictions and not reading the signs."

Cllr Bignell also said there was "clear signage" approaching Nether Heyford directing HGVs to use the A5, which he said was "the only access to the Evri depot for HGVs".

He added that the sign at the bottom of Furnace Lane clearly indicated the height restriction.

Evri has been contacted for further comment.

Northamptonshire Police said officers had been working with Evri to reduce the number of HGVs going through the village.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of this issue and our PCSO has been carrying out work to address it. We have checked that the necessary signage is in place and have also spoken to the delivery company, which has resulted in far fewer HGVs driving through.

"We also have a plan in place, as the councillor sets out below, to address further issues."

Conservative ward councillor Phil Bignell said meetings had taken place with Evri.

He said: “Meetings have taken place with Evri and they have undertaken training with drivers as well as supplying designated route maps. Going forward evidence is needed for future prosecutions containing date, time and photograph of lorry with registration plate. Those submitted will be followed up and enforced.”

The issue has been discussed by Nether Heyford Parish Council for several months. Minutes from a meeting in November 2025 show councillors were told the number of HGVs attempting to use Furnace Lane had increased.

The minutes also state Evri was working to stop its drivers using the route, but councillors heard some drivers were relying on satellite navigation systems which did not warn of the low bridges, with some believed to be drivers unfamiliar with the area.