Freddie van Mierlo MP Backs Stronger Action on HGVs in Henley: Calls for Experimental Traffic Order to Protect Residents and Roads

Freddie van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has today called on Oxfordshire County Council to urgently progress plans for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to restrict heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using Henley as a through-route. This follows the publication of a detailed county-led data analysis of HGV movements across the town and surrounding villages.

The ETRO Freddie is calling for would run for 18 months and include the installation of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera on Henley Bridge to monitor HGVs over 18 tonnes. The aim is to discourage inappropriate HGV movements that damage local roads, undermine air quality, and put pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

“Far too many heavy lorries are cutting through Henley and the surrounding rural road network to avoid strategic routes like the M4 and A34. This is not sustainable.

I am calling on Oxfordshire County Council to implement an Experimental Traffic Order with ANPR enforcement to monitor and manage these vehicle movements. Such a scheme would protect the fabric of our historic town, improve safety, and reduce pollution. It’s a practical, proportionate and evidence-based next step. An experimental order will allow the County Council to understand the impact of restrictions in real time and make adjustments if needed.”

The September 2024 analysis—based on a two-day ANPR camera survey—recorded over 140 HGVs per day over 18 tonnes travelling through Henley, with nearly 40 of these passing through without stopping. While the majority of HGVs do have local destinations, the report also confirms that many vehicles are using Henley as a cut-through between the M4 and Didcot.

The County Council’s Trading Standards team has confirmed that under new "Part 6" enforcement powers, Oxfordshire has the authority to introduce such a scheme—something neighbouring Buckinghamshire County Council has already done on two other routes.

Mr van Mierlo continued:

“We now have the legal powers, the data, and the precedent from nearby councils. There is no reason not to move forward with a trial scheme. Our roads, our buildings, and our communities cannot wait.”

Freddie is working with local councillors Stefan Gawrysiak and Leigh Rawlins and well as Henley HGV Watch to ensure the scheme is carefully designed to meet the town’s needs while respecting local deliveries and legitimate business access.

He concluded:

“A reduction in these heavy lorries using Henley as a rat run would be a massive benefit—not just for the town, but for all the villages between the M4 and Didcot who suffer from inappropriate HGV traffic. It’s time for action.”