Complaints Over New Prison Construction Traffic

Residents say some construction traffic heading to and from the site of a new prison near Market Harborough is not following approved routes.

Complaints have been made about some drivers flouting the rules, which were put in place for safety reasons to stop heavy goods vehicles using certain roads, including residential streets, by schools and through Market Harborough town centre.

Preparation work began on the site adjacent to HMP Gartree in the summer, with full construction of the 1700-inmate jail to begin in summer 2025.

Residents raised concerns over the traffic with Ministry of Justice officials at an information event in Market Harborough this week.

These people who live near to the site spoke to HFM:

An HGV on Welland Avenue in Gartree which is not supposed to be used to enter or leave the site

Diana Cook, Chairman of Lubenham Parish Council, is also concerned:

Harborough District Council is responsible for enforcing planning conditions and has received complaints about traffic going through residential areas.

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with the MOJ and their contractors to ensure that these instances are minimised moving forward.”

A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service told HFM: “We are working closely with the contractor to ensure appropriate measures are in place, including signage, marshals and enforcement of agreed routes, to minimise disruption to the local community.”