LORRIES using Dorchester as a cut through could be caught on camera.

CCTV operators have agreed to monitor heavy goods vehicles driving into the county town to establish if they are using it to avoid the A35 bypass.

This comes after town councillors demanded action over the issue which they claimed was causing both noise and traffic pollution.

It was also pointed out by Coun Trevor Jones that it could be worsening the pollution issue in High West Street and High East Street, after levels were found to be in breach of EU regulations in 2009.

At a planning and environment committee meeting councillors heard how CCTV operators would be monitoring lorries in the town.

Committee clerk Sue Cheeseman said: “During quiet times they will monitor the CCTV cameras at the junction of Church Street and High East Street and at the Top’ O Town roundabout to see where they go. They have agreed to do that for three months.”

Coun Susie Hosford said: “That in itself is very positive.”

Another councillor, David Taylor, added: “That is fantastic news.”

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Trevor Jones said: “This is encouraging news.

“At the moment we have no proof that heavy goods vehicles are driving through the town but there is a common belief that they are on occasions.

“Hopefully, CCTV monitoring will either prove that they are or prove that they are not.

“If they are, then action can be taken against them.”

Coun Tony Lyall added: “We have been on about this for about three or four years so this is great news. It is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Dorset Police has also agreed to work with the town council, Dorset County Council and the Highways Agency to monitor the issue.

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester police said: “We will continue to work with the town council and highways to monitor the issue.

“We will be looking to see if there is a problem and what can be done to resolve it.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s spokesman for community safety Councillor Geoff Petherick said: “CCTV in Dorchester town centre is owned and operated by a partnership which includes the county, district, borough and town councils and also the police.

“The borough council will be working with the town council to see what help can be given.”