Drivers of large vehicles could be banned from travelling through a popular southeastern village after a landmark petition has prompted action.
A Liberal Democrat MP has initiated a petition urging satellite navigation firms to prevent HGVs from travelling through Goudhurst where lorries frequently become trapped.
Mike Martin, who represents Tunbridge Wells, claimed that navigation companies have been directing HGVs along the A262 through Goudhurst, despite the route featuring narrow roads and sharp bends unsuitable for large vehicles.
The MP argued that lorries travelling between Ashford and Tunbridge Wells would find the M20 and A228 route both safer and faster than navigating through small villages.
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Campaigners have warned of multiple cases of lorries coming through the village getting stuck and causing damage
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"Residents in Goudhurst have been putting up with unacceptable traffic delays, and vehicle and property damage for far too long," Mr Martin stated.
The online petition seeks to gather evidence demonstrating the need for navigation software providers to modify their routing algorithms.
HGVs regularly find themselves unable to navigate what locals describe as a "sharp S-bend" in Goudhurst's centre, creating significant traffic congestion.
The A262 narrows considerably as it passes through the village's High Street before transforming into Church Road near the 13th-century St Mary the Virgin Church.
The narrow streets have not been designed to handle HGVs and other large vehicles
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The MP detailed how lorries attempting to manoeuvre around these tight corners must swing into opposing traffic lanes, yet frequently still fail to complete the turn successfully and end up stuck blocking the road.
The road configuration makes it impossible for HGVs to stay within their designated lane while navigating the bends, forcing them to occupy both sides of the carriageway, the MP explained.
When lorries become wedged or disabled, the resulting blockages can persist for hours while recovery vehicles are summoned to clear the obstruction.
Multiple incidents over recent months have seen HGVs mounting protective bell bollards installed to shield historic buildings, destroying their tyres and becoming immobilised.
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The Grade I listed church's boundary wall has suffered frequent strikes due to larger vehicles unable to navigate the narrow road properly, according to reports.
Helen Sampson, a local campaigner, described how a recent lorry incident caused tyre explosions that destroyed garden plants belonging to a corner property resident.
Buildings dating from the 1500s opposite the church have required heavy bollard protection, yet vehicles continue to strike these defences.
"We've had damage to the church that's been replaced numerous times, there's damage to the Grade II listed properties around here and damage to cars," Ms Sampson told BBC Radio Kent.
Campaigners have been calling on the council to ban HGVs from the streets
| GETTYThe A262 Traffic Action Group has spent six years advocating for solutions, according to Ms Sampson, who noted the group now collaborates with two neighbouring villages to pressure Kent County Council into action.
Kevin Rampling, who chairs the campaign group, expressed frustration at the long-standing nature of the problem, while resident Robert Barr reported witnessing a 50 per cent increase in village traffic during his time there.
"A bypass needs to be built around Goudhurst as it is an A-road and important for connecting this part of Kent," Mr Barr suggested.
Google responded that its service is designed for standard vehicles and advised lorry drivers to utilise navigation systems specifically created for larger vehicles.
Meanwhile, a Road Haulage Association spokesperson shared: "Lorries do a fantastic job ensuring shops and other businesses have all the things we need, but no one wants to see them using unsuitable routes."