Drivers slapped with thousands of fines for breaching key weight restriction on iconic bridge

The weight limit for vehicles was put in place in January to help keep the structure and panels of the bridge intact.

However, many drivers ignored the restrictions with subsequent fines being issued as a result.

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In April, there were 2,811 breaches of the weight restriction, which the council claimed put “unnecessary” strain on the bridge with drivers fined on average £130.

The average weight of a UK car is roughly 1.7 tonnes with lorries and vans can weigh between three and seven tonnes.

A Freedom of Information request found that 11,766 fines were issued to drivers between the start of the year and May.

Each fine was worth £130 but data showed that 68 per cent of drivers had their penalties halved to £65 due to being paid early.

However, 2,995 fines were paid in full, while 737 fines worth between £195 and £260 were slapped on drivers.

Due to the panels in the bridge being Grade II listed, constant care is required to ensure it remains in good and stable condition.

A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council explained that they wanted to protect the surface and structure of the listed Albert Bridge for the long term.

The weight restriction has reportedly been in place since 2012 to help preserve the bridge, which has been in place for 151 years.

The council said: “Motorists using Albert Bridge are warned about weight enforcement by a number of warning signs on the approach, a sign at the point of enforcement and temporary notices warning of camera enforcement.

“We also installed warning signs on the street and issued more than 1,400 warning notices ahead of introducing the enforcement in January this year.

“Drivers always have an option to appeal traffic violations or parking fines. We initially implemented the scheme on the basis of warning drivers rather than issuing fines.”

The bridge connects drivers from Chelsea into Central London on the north bank and to Battersea on the south.

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Councillor Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, explained that the bridge is an “icon” of the London skyline and an important river crossing.

He added: “As a responsible guardian of the bridge, it’s crucial that we undertake essential maintenance so we can keep the bridge in good health and keep it operational now and in the future.”