Chepstow, Severn Bridge misinformation over policing of weight limit
Last month, the NHA had assured Monmouthshire County Council's Public Services Committee, that Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras (ANPR) would be in place to police the new weight limit on the bridge, which came into force on May 28.
However, at present, there are no ANPR cameras on the Severn Bridge. This means enforcement of the weight restrictions is down to traffic police of two separate forces, partner agencies and 'luck or goodwill of hauliers.'
Chepstow councillor Armand Watt, chairman of the apparently misled committee said: 'We were told the ANPR cameras would be in place to police the weight limit and they are not in place. The new restrictions are practically unenforceable without an ANPR system.'
The enforcement of the weight restrictions was in the news last week following local truckers' claims that foreign lorries were still using the Severn Bridge and their different plate classification system would 'trip' the ANPR system, it was thought.
Additionally, old weight limit signs were left in place, which allowed weights of up to 44 tonnes. This added to trucker frustration with the NHA. NHA had blamed bad weather for the oversight.
In response to last week's revelations, NHA said only a small number of trucks will flout the weight restriction and systems are in place to enforce the weight limit. However, the NHA were careful not to mention details of enforcement systems.
In response to today's questions about ANPR cameras, the NHA said: 'We are working with local police forces to enforce this weight restriction, and the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras is being explored.'
Any ANPR system on the bridge would be the responsibility of Avon and Somerset Police, who wish to assure drivers that enforcement will take place in conjunction with Gwent Police.
Local truckers had complained of unfair competition and foreign drivers being able to use the Severn Bridge as UK drivers faced long delays and detours. However, the bridge, we can reveal, is a potential free for all for truckers because there is no effective system to enforce the weight limit.
Summing up the confusion, councillor Watt remarked: 'It is difficult to understand what NHA are doing, other than creating a misinformation highway between Avon and Somerset Police, Gwent Police and Monmouthshire County Council. '
NHA has stressed the new 7.5 tonne weight limit is essential for the long term use of the bridge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Annual Monmouthshire youth conference held in Usk
The annual youth conference, hosted by Monmouthshire County Council, took place on Friday, May 23, at County Hall in Usk. The event allowed young people to explore the three priority areas identified in the 2025 Make Your Mark survey. This survey received a record-breaking 3,509 responses. The top priorities were: cost of living, mental health matters, and employment and skills. Discussions and workshops around these topics were held to formulate recommendations for decision-makers, public services, and young people themselves to address over the coming year. The children's commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, opened the conference and gave some perspective on the top three priority issues at a national level. Councillor Angela Sandles, cabinet member for equalities and engagement, said: "It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people across Monmouthshire and hear what is important to them. "Engaging with people of all ages will help us to form a balanced picture of what matters most to the people of Monmouthshire. "I hope that everyone who attended Friday's youth conference was able to take away an understanding of how we all have to support each other to thrive as a county. "This is always my favourite conference of the council year, listening to the voices of our young people inspires me and reminds us of all of the insight and innovation they bring." Councillor Laura Wright, cabinet member for education, said: "Learning how local government can function to support people from all aspects of society can be an extremely beneficial part of education. "It was great to see so many young people taking part in the youth conference." More information about the youth conference, the Make Your Mark survey and more can be found on the Youth Service's webpage on the Mon Life website.
Business News Wales
21 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Young People Make their Mark at Annual Youth Conference
Monmouthshire County Council held its annual youth conference at County Hall in Usk. The youth conference allows young people from schools across the county to unpack and dig deeper into the three priority areas identified in the 2025 Make Your Mark survey, which a record-breaking 3,509 young people took part in. The priority areas were: Cost of living (with 17.1% share of the total vote from all respondents) Mental health matters (with 17% share of the total vote from all respondents) Employment and skills (with 14% share of the total vote from all respondents) Discussions and workshops around those priority areas were conducted with a view to formulate recommendations for decision makers, public services and young people themselves to address over the coming year. The Children's Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, opened this year's youth conference and gave some perspective of the top three priority issues at a national level. Cllr Angela Sandles, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: 'It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people across Monmouthshire and hear what is important to them. 'Engaging with people of all ages will help us to form a balanced picture of what matters most to the people of Monmouthshire. 'I hope that everyone who attended Friday's Youth Conference was able to take away an understanding of how we all have to support each other to thrive as a county. 'This is always my favourite conference of the council year, listening to the voices of our young people inspires me and reminds us of all of the insight and innovation they bring.' Cllr Laura Wright, Cabinet Member for Education, said: 'Learning how local government can function to support people from all aspects of society can be an extremely beneficial part of education. 'It was great to see so many young people taking part in the Youth Conference. 'I particularly enjoyed listening to them discussing mental health and wellbeing, reflecting on their experiences and sharing their ideas. 'They have given me a lot to think about and I look forward to working with young people across Monmouthshire to protect and improve mental health in our schools.'
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Glastonbury residents 'shaken' after spike of anti-social behaviour in town
The churchyard has become a 'hotspot for crime', residents say. A churchyard in Glastonbury has become the target of increased anti-social behaviour, with individuals using graves as "shop counters" and "dealing drugs over the top of them", residents say. Residents of the town have expressed fear after St John's churchyard closed for a month to keep its visitors and congregation safe. Glastonbury MP Sarah Dyke warned Parliament that some constituents had also been intimidated with demands for money whilst collecting their pensions, leaving them "scared" and "overwhelmed". Church warden David Smith said: "You daren't approach them, because you would have face-to-face abuse." Local resident Melanie Warburton has reported that antisocial behaviour in the area has reached "a peak". A number of traders are concerned that this increase will deter tourists from visiting the town. Shop owners Linda Ravenscroft and her husband John explained: "We've had people coming in [to the shop] for protection." They added that people come into the shop and say they 'don't feel safe'. Ms Dyke has said she will continue to press for more police resources and find ways to improve CCTV in the town. She also noted she would request that the lapsed Public Space Protection order be reinstated in the area. Avon and Somerset Police has been contacted for a statement.
