Weight restrictions for North Cork roads to stop damage by trucks 

Councillors fear the combination of heavy traffic, recent heavy rainfall, and the likelihood of frost and ice during the winter will completely destroy many of the roads, leaving some communities cut off and the council facing massive repair bills

A section of the N73 from Mallow to Mitchelstown, near Kildorrery: Serious damage is being caused to rural roads by trucks which are taking short cuts down narrow laneways which cannot bear their weight. File picture: Larry Cummins

In an unprecedented move, weight restrictions are likely to be imposed on a number of minor roads in North Cork because HGVs are ignoring designated detour routes put in place due to the closure of a section of the Mallow-Mitchelstown road (N73).

Serious damage is being caused to rural roads by trucks which are taking short cuts down narrow laneways which cannot bear their weight. Sometimes drivers are acting deliberately to save time and sometimes as a result of being directed by sat-navs.