5 days ago
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.
