TWO trial schemes to ban lorries from overtaking on the A14 in Suffolk have been put off because they are not considered a priority.

TWO trial schemes to ban lorries from overtaking on the A14 in Suffolk have been put off because they are not considered a priority.

Following a successful pilot scheme on the road in Northampton, Suffolk County Council had asked the agency to look at the possibility of adopting the measure on the trunk road which carries the majority of freight to and from Felixstowe.

However, after an initial positive response, the trial project has been relegated “while other priorities are addressed”.

A spokesman for the agency - which is responsible for all spending and improvements on the trunk road network - added: “The project will be considered in due course for funding in 2010-11.”

The approaches to the Orwell Bridge at Ipswich and sections of the A14 around Bury St Edmunds had been identified by the agency as locations for the trial bans. Mr McGregor, who is the transport portfolio holder on the county council's cabinet said the agency's decision was disappointing.

He added: “I thought it had realised just how important the A14 is to the economy of the county. Everything must be done to make it safer.

“These two schemes on the Orwell Bridge and at Bury are much needed and we were encouraged by the favourable response we had to our request. Now it could be nearly two years before any trials are put in place.”