A new traffic order has been introduced to prevent lorries from using a number of residential roads in Alresford.

Approved by Hampshire County Council, the order restricts lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from using 25 roads around the Sun Lane development, in a move aimed at reducing through-traffic in Alresford’s residential areas.

The decision follows the construction of a new roundabout on the A31, which forms part of a major housing scheme at Sun Lane.

The development will deliver up to 320 new homes, 3.4 hectares of employment land and around 17 hectares of public open space.

The roads affected by the lorry ban are:

Appledown Close

Beech Road

Benenden Gardens

Benenden Green

Corfe Close

Culley View

Derwent Gardens

Dover Close

Elm Road

Fairview

Haig Road

Hasted Drive

Hawthorn Close

Lime Road

Lindley Gardens

Linnets Road

Orchard Close

Meadow Close

Nursery Road (Oak Hill)

Paddock Way

Russet Close

Shepherd’s Down

Sun Hill Crescent

Sun Lane

Tichborne Down

According to the county council, the order is necessary to manage lorry movements in what is described as a busy residential area, which also provides access to local schools.

The council said the decision balances the need for residents to access their homes with the aim of protecting the character of local neighbourhoods.

By keeping heavy lorries off residential streets, it hopes to reduce noise, improve safety and make the roads more pleasant for people living nearby.

The restrictions are also intended to ensure that buses, emergency vehicles and other essential services can continue to move through the area safely and without delay.