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South Wales Argus
6 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
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.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Everything we know about M5 crash as three dead and child fighting for life
Paramedics raced to a 'very complex scene' last night, where they tried to save lives in the 'most tragic of circumstances' - but three people succumbed to their injuries and sadly died Two adults and a teenager have died following a devastating crash on the M5 last night, with a second child left severely injured and fighting for their life in hospital. Avon and Somerset Police said a white BMW left the northbound carriageway at around 9pm on Friday, between J14 (Falfield) and Michaelwood services in South Gloucestershire. Paramedics raced to a "very complex scene" last night, where they tried to save lives in the "most tragic of circumstances". Three people, including a teenager, succumbed to their injuries and sadly died in the single-vehicle crash, while a second child sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where they remain, police said. National Highways said that "due to the severity of the incident and complexity of the vehicle recovery", the M5 was likely to remain closed until about 4pm. It partially re-opened southbound between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) on Saturday afternoon, but Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene. M5 closed for 'next few hours' Avon and Somerset Police say vehicle recovery work is ongoing, and that the carriageway will need to be assessed and undergo necessary repairs before it will be safe to re-open. The M5 southbound re-opened between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) just before noon on Saturday. Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene, National Highways said. Inspector Mark Vicary, of the roads policing unit, said: 'It has been necessary to keep the road closures in place at this time to enable further collision investigation work during daylight hours. As a result the M5 remains closed this morning and we estimate it will need to stay shut in both directions for the next few hours, however we are doing all we can to reopen it as soon as possible. 'We appreciate this closure is causing delays and disruption to the public, particularly at the end of the half-term break. But given the severity of this distressing incident, we hope the public can understand the reasons why this is necessary and ask them to consider alternative travel plans.' Three dead and one seriously injured Three people have died and a fourth is seriously injured after the single-vehicle collision in South Gloucestershire. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: 'We're sad to report two adults in their 40s and one teenage child who were travelling in the vehicle have died from their injuries. A second child sustained serious injuries and they have been taken to hospital.' Inspector Vicary added: 'Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight. A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.' Paramedics worked in 'most tragic of circumstances' Emergency service crews were called to the M5 yesterday evening after a white BMW left the northbound carriageway. They arrived to a "very complex" scene, police said, and worked throughout the night to try and save lives. Inspector Vicary said: 'Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene. They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.' Investigation ongoing at scene Police are currently on scene to carry out a vehicle recovery operation. National Highways warned drivers that delays are building on approach of the closures, with expected delays of at least 60 minutes northbound and 45 minutes southbound. Officers said earlier that vehicle recovery work still needs to be completed and National Highways will need to assess the carriageway and make any necessary repairs before it will be safe to reopen the motorway. Witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage have meanwhile been asked to contact police online or on 101 quoting reference number 5225151145.
New European
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
Anti-Starmer strike fails to hit its target
Protest organiser Richard Donaldson told the channel he was 'not prepared to wait four years' for Keir Starmer to be ousted from power, calling for an immediate general election. As it turned out, Starmer can probably call off the removal van for a while yet. Because – possibly as Donaldson called the 'national strike' for a Saturday, a day most people are off work anyway – the event proved the dampest of damp squibs. How went the Great British National Strike, a day of countrywide anti-government protests, which GB News confidently predicted would see 'more than 500,000 people across the country walking out in protest at the state of the UK'? In most cities and towns, fewer than 100 people protested, often outnumbered by anti-fascist demos: in Bristol, for example (population: 483,000), Avon and Somerset Police said that 'an estimated 50 people took part in a protest, with an estimated 100 people taking part in a counter demonstration'. Another 100 people (described by organisers as 'big crowds') turned up outside Downing Street to chant 'Keir Starmer is a wanker'. In Manchester, meanwhile (population: 551,938), organisers claimed around 200 attendees, although photos would suggest this includes a protest by Chagossians protesting against the government's deal to hand over sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, which was happening at the same time. Supporters of the Great British National Strike were unimpressed, taking to social media to moan: 'No timetable, no speakers, no stage/platform, no PA system. Shambolic. Organisers were early with their excuses for failure, but admitted they'd spent two months arranging this butterfly's fart of a protest.'
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police hunt two suspects after 'man assaulted during burglary'
Police hunt two suspects after 'man assaulted during burglary' Officers said a vehicle alleged to be involved in the incident was later involved in a pursuit on the M4 Anyone with information is asked to contact the police (Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne ) Police are looking for two men following an alleged burglary. The alleged incident took place at an address in Pengam at around 1.45am on Tuesday, May 20. Gwent Police said officers were called to Fair View following a report that three men entered an address at around 1.45am on Tuesday 20 May. A man was allegedly assaulted at the property and he later attended hospital for treatment but was since discharged. Police said a black Audi, believed to have been used by those involved in the burglary, was later seen heading towards the M4, before a pursuit took place involving officers from Avon and Somerset Police. A spokesperson for the force said: "The car was later involved in a collision with a Nissan Juke at around 2.50am near junction 17 of the M4 in Wiltshire." A 37-year-old man from London was later charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, possession of a firearm and going equipped for burglary. He was remanded to appear at Newport Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 22. In addition he was released under investigation for allegations of threats to kill and aggravated burglary with intent. Article continues below Officers from Gwent Police said they are appealing for information regarding two more men. Detective Superintendent Steven Maloney, the senior investigating officer, said: 'Our investigation into these matters continues and we're keen to identify the other two men reportedly involved in the [alleged] burglary earlier this week. 'If you know who they are, then I would urge you to get it touch with us." He added: "I'm grateful to the public for their patience and understanding as officers carried out their enquiries.' A Gwent Police spokesman said: "Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to call 101, contact us via our website or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500158756. "You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence." Article continues below
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Task force to tackle town's anti-social behaviour
A new task force is attempting to tackle anti-social behaviour in a town after concerns from parents about needles being found in public. One mother from Chard, in Somerset, who asked not to be named, said her son picked up a used drug pipe and later a used needle. She said: "Something needs to be done. We are one step away from someone being very dangerously hurt." Independent town councillor Andy Webb has set up the Chard Community Task Force, made up of the police, schools, town council and youth groups, to work together to help address the problem. The mother told the BBC she had called Avon and Somerset Police several times, but added: "They don't do anything." Avon and Somerset Police said it is working with partner agencies to "tackle the root causes of these problems". It has also advised anyone who finds discarded drug-related items to contact their local authority - the body responsible for safely clearing them away. Sonia Barnes, who also lives in Chard, said drug-related activity was "very blatant on the streets". "Daylight even, you will see a little package and money exchanging hands. There's an awful lot of it," she added. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Councillor Mr Webb said the newly set up task force is now working to address the issues of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity. They want to hear from residents and work with schools to try and prevent further drug issues in the south Somerset town. "It's a partnership-based initiative dedicated to making Chard safer, stronger, and more inclusive for everyone," he said. "We've got to start protecting the youth now and the only way we can do that is through collaboration." Lucy Roberts is the Student Safeguarding and Mental Health Team Leader at Holyrood Academy - one of the partners on the new task force. She said they have surveyed students on safe places and spaces around Chard. Next week students are going out for what Ms Roberts called "youth walk and talks" with the police to identify those areas. She said that by the community "pulling together" and sharing resources and information, she hoped the partnership will "make a big difference". Neighbourhood inspector Rose Green, from Avon and Somerset Police, said the force recognised and "fully appreciates" resident's concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the town. "We would encourage people to continue to report these issues to us. This intelligence helps build a picture which helps prioritise the proactive resources we have," she said. "This includes the execution of warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act, targeting those involved in the supply of illegal drugs. "Officers also work closely with our Anti-social Behaviour Coordinators to deal with offenders. This includes the use of warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts, criminal behaviour orders, and injunctions and we take action whenever these are breached." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. The 'intimidating' town with masked bikers and drug deals Chard Police station reopens after refurbishment Operation targets drugs supplied by organised crime Avon and Somerset Police Chard Town Council
