LORRY firms in North Yorkshire may be asked to find alternative routes on the region's highways, to protect quiet rural roads and appease worried villagers.

North Yorkshire County Council has produced a draft freight strategy to try to resolve problems such as air and noise pollution, caused by heavy goods vehicles.

It plans to bring together haulage operators, farmers, businessmen and residents in an effort to reach a compromise.

Mike Moore, the council's director of environmental services, said: "One important part of the strategy will be to inform lorry operators of the roads which are not physically able to take lorries of all sizes.

"A complete database will be built up which will be made available to operators to help them plan the best routes."

Liz Heath, a member of Sand Hutton and Claxton Parish Council, is in favour of the new initiative.

She said: "The lorries are a big concern to us, because of the speed they come through the village and the noise. I would be in favour of anything which would improve the situation. If everybody got their heads together that would be brilliant."

The strategy is also looking to change the system under which supermarkets are served by a central despatch depot hundreds of miles away instead of collecting goods that are actually made locally.

It is hoped this would significantly cut down on rural lorry traffic.

A spokeswoman for Asda supermarket said: "We must accept the fact that our stores need availability and large distribution centres, but we try to ensure that we don't have an excess of lorries on the road. We try to be cost-effective, efficient and environmentally strong."

Elwyn Williams, of North Yorkshire County Council's planning department, said: "We are not looking to ban lorries from the roads. However, there may be other routes which are more suitable. Some roads are completely unsuitable for lorries in the Moors and Dales. We have got to work together. We hope the strategy will raise awareness."

Chris Fylan, of the Road Haulage Association, supports the idea behind the strategy. He said he hoped it would educate villagers into recognising why lorries are needed on the roads.

He said: "We are keen for all lines of communication to be left open. We are keen for them not to use B-roads as a short cut, but there are times when it cannot be helped.

"We are certainly in favour of improving safety and seeking to appease local people."

Jonathan Bulmer, owner of Bulmers Bulk Logistics which has a 40-strong fleet at Great Habton, near Malton, said: "We are open to look at things. Some people moan about lorries because it's something to moan about. I would be in favour of talking about the issues."