New powers are needed to tackle lorry drivers who ignore weight restrictions, council leaders have said.

Lorries which exceed weight, height or width limits are causing “chaos” in villages and on roads, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

There have been a number of incidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) getting stuck and causing disruption in recent months.

In Leeds and Durham, lorries were wedged under bridges, while an HGV in Liverpool caused an hour of delays as it struggled to turn around to avoid a low bridge.

All three roads were “clearly marked” as being unfit for the vehicles involved, the LGA said.

It wants local authorities to be able to issue fines to any lorry driver who ignores road restrictions.

The money collected could be used to fix potholes.

The organisation’s transport spokesman, Martin Tett, said: “There has been a spate of accidents involving lorry drivers driving irresponsibly and bringing chaos to our communities.

“Councils are doing everything they can to help their residents, working with communities by organising lorry watch schemes.

“But they are trying to take action with one hand tied behind their back and need tougher powers.

“The vast majority of lorry drivers are reputable and drive responsibly.

“These powers would be targeted at the minority who do not follow the law.”