RESIDENTS in North Stifford have called on Thurrock Council to do more to stop HGVs making an illegal route through the village.

There is a ban on large vehicles using High Road, the main route through the village, but because nearby Pilgrims Lane has been closed for sewage works, large vehicles are ignoring the restriction and not taking the official diversion - which would route them through Aveley.

The emergency work on Pilgrims Lane is being carried out by Anglian Water who are unable to give a date by which it will be completed.

The company says: "We're currently on site working to fix one of our sewers on Davy Down (very close to the A13) in North Stifford.

"As part of our repair work, we'll have tankers at various points around the area to keep the sewer flowing by pumping wastewater away ready to take to our nearby treatment works. So our teams can use the tankers safely we also have various kinds of traffic management in place.

"Tankers are on standby on Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon, waiting to be used  – we have temporary two-way traffic lights in place there.

"We know tankers are large and noisy, and we're sorry for any disruption they're causing while they're in use. They'll be off as soon we've been able to get everything back to normal - but given the location of the issue, they are likely to be in use for several days."

As well as causing disruption in South Ockendon, a major impact has been vehicles taking a route through North Stifford which is now very busy from the additional vehicle use. It also includes a significant number of HGVs and larger vehicles that are using the designated bus lane at a width restriction - and reportedly damaging it.

Pilgrims Lane - a main route for traffic from Ockendon to the A13 and M25 is blocked.

Residents have complained to Thurrock Council with little response.

One resident, Danielle Grant told Thurrock Nub News: "The amount of traffic and congestion is unbearable currently in the village.

"A number of residents have reported the situation but it has been a nightmare.

"Plus HGVs are entering the width restructions, which are there to protect the church and Grade-II listed cottages which are now being compromised by the heavy traffic.

"These buildings have no foundations."

The width restriction on High Road is being abused by HGVs say villagers.

A temporary traffic order authorised by Thurrock Council on 27 November says it came into force immediately and will be valid for 21 days.

It added: "It is however expected that the works will be completed by 27/11/2025 18:00hrs" but the work is not yet complete and the diversion continues. Anglian Water say: "Unfortunately, there is no date for when we can expect the works to be completed."

Thurrock Council has been contacted for comment.