Councils have called for new powers to fine “reckless” lorry drivers who are causing disruption in rural communities across the Westcountry.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, described the process of taking lorry drivers to court when they ignore weight restrictions as expensive and time-consuming.

Police already have the power to issue fines, but the LGA claimed this only has a limited effect because their resources are often stretched in rural areas.