Complaints over 'nightmare' traffic causing misery around Heysham Port
BBCAn MP said she has received over 100 complaints about "nightmare" traffic congestion around Heysham port.
Large vehicles have been using narrow streets as rat-runs since a new computer system for checking in freight lorries was brought into operation. Some locals say it is making their lives a misery.
The MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, Lizzi Collinge, said: "Residents on these streets have got loads of noise, loads of fumes and are getting trapped in their streets."
The owners of Heysham Port - Peel Ports Group - said it is working to "improve traffic flow and minimise disruption to the local community".
Collinge said: "I was first talking to the port back in February about this new system because concerns had been raised and I was assured there might be a few teething problems, but it would be absolutely fine and it would speed check-ins.
"Well there's something happening that means that check-ins have definitely not speeded up because the lorries are backing up.
"So whether it's just the new system, whether it's an increase in capacity, whether it's a number of factors, we really need to find out."
She is calling for an urgent multi-agency meeting to try to resolve what she says is "an absolute nightmare" around the port which links Lancashire, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
"This has been going on and off for months now," she told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I've had HGV lorry drivers get in touch because they haven't been able to get on the ships.
"A solution is going to have to be found and I'm not going to stop until it is."
A spokesman for the Port of Heysham said: "We recognise the disruption experienced by local residents and road users around the port.
"Increased traffic volumes in recent days have been driven by a combination of factors, including the Isle of Man TT festival, temporary local highway works and the introduction of new operational processes at the port.
"The new system is now fully operational and delivering improved processing times for customers who complete their information in advance.
"Additional support teams remain in place to assist drivers and monitor traffic flows as customers adapt to the new arrangements."
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