Weight restrictions on the Severn Bridge have once again come under scrutiny after pictures were taken of Heavy Goods Vehicles flouting the 7.5 tonne restriction.
The bridge is currently subject to the weight limit after engineers found structural problems. Previously, 44 tonne HGVs were allowed on the ageing bridge, says the South Wales Argus.
The photographs, reportedly showing two 40 or 44 tone trucks on the bridge, were taken last week by Monmouthshire County Councillor (MCC), Armand Watts.
Cllr Watts said: “I drive over the bridge a fair bit. On one trip, my passenger took these photos.”
As previously reported in the South Wales Argus, the enforcement of the new 7.5 tonne weight limit has faced major problems. Truckers had claimed foreign-registered HGVs could have been using outdated satnavs and crossed legally because old 44 tonne weight limit signs remained in place after restrictions were imposed, last month.
Avon and Somerset Police, who enforce the weight limit, said they would be working with partner agencies to investigate ANPR technology to police the limit.
National Highways had previously told MCC that ANPR cameras are essential for enforcement, suggesting that the bridge could become a free-for-all without cameras.
Local hauliers have expressed frustration about lack of enforcement and unfair competition from foreign-registered lorries. Some claimed that old satnavs and old signs make a case for the foreign trucks to legally use the bridge, whilst UK drivers must do hundreds of miles in detours, without “access to cheap Russian diesel.”
(Pic: Cllr Armand Watts)
