Motorists face fines for regularly breaking rule that will now be ‘policed’

Drivers may soon be liable for the cost of damage to a key bridge as HGVs ignore weight restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge. Councils and local authorities are advocating for tougher penalties due to frequent breaches of the bridge's weight limits. The M48 Severn Bridge, which previously allowed 44-tonne HGVs, has become a point of contention, with Monmouthshire County Councillor Armand Watts voicing concerns.

"I drive over the bridge a fair bit. On one trip, my passenger took these photos," he remarked. Avon and Somerset Police, tasked with upholding the weight limit, have announced they are exploring the use of ANPR technology in collaboration with other agencies to monitor the bridge.

Joff Raymont, Transport Director at Hicks Logistics based in Caldicot, shared with Western Telegraph: "Personally, I haven't seen any HGVs on the bridge and I am not aware of foreign vehicles breaching the weight limit. However, UK hauliers do face unfair competition, and that's a serious concern." He further noted that the ability to seize vehicles from drivers who break UK laws "helps create a level playing field".

Avon and Somerset Police, responsible for enforcing the weight limit, reiterated their commitment to working with partner agencies to consider ANPR technology to enforce the frequently violated limit, reports Birmingham Live[1]. "The whole thing is deeply disturbing. The weight limit must be enforced.

The current situation is unacceptable, nothing's clear," he stated. He cautioned that lax enforcement could result in perpetual breaches of weight restrictions, exerting "massive strains on local infrastructure, and repairs will then have to be paid for. "Why should local taxpayers have to fund things that should be prevented by the law?" he questioned.

Watts has demanded a straightforward "who, what, when, where, why and how approach to enforcement". National Highways commented: "The number of vehicles breaching the ban since it was introduced has been small and police are in the area carrying out enforcement activity." The spokesperson further mentioned that although National Highways isn't an enforcement body, they are "working with local police, through Operation Wolverine, as well as the DVSA and The Traffic Commissioner to prevent infringements and ensure that HGV drivers flouting the ban are challenged."

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References

1. ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ signing up to our daily newsletter here. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)