Children’s safety fear over bridge limits

A controversial 7.5-tonne weight limit was introduced on Sutton Bridge, which links the East Riding with North Yorkshire, after the Grade II-listed structure was hit by a lorry in January 2010.

But it has now emerged that police declined to enforce it because it did not comply with traffic regulations, and an East Riding Council report says the authority has no choice but to remove it.

The bridge was badly damaged and did not fully reopen until £350,000 repairs were completed six months later.

The limit was introduced in September that year but now looks set to be scrapped, although the council is proposing to spend £80,000 installing CCTV cameras on it and other bridges in the area to make drivers more careful, and trace those who are not.

The limit was welcomed by many, including Sutton-upon-Derwent and Elvington primary schools – which said it improved pupils’ safety – the scheme drew a opponents who said it diverted heavy lorries into other villages.

The legality and logic of the traffic measures have also been questioned.

“Weak bridge” signs were put up to encourage drivers to comply with the restriction, but traffic regulations state these cannot be used for structural weight limits.

Furthermore, other opponents have pointed out that the weight limit itself should not be applied as the bridge is capable of carrying 42-tonne vehicles.

As well as having the backing of the schools, two petitions in favour of the restriction have been submitted to the council. Others wanting to maintain it include York Council and Sutton-upon-Derwent and Elvington parish councils.

Opponents of the restriction include parish councils in Newton-upon-Derwent, Bubwith, Ellerton and Aughton, Foggathorpe, and Holme-on-Spalding-Moor.