Drivers could be forced to pay for HGV damage on major bridge as rulebreakers flout weight limits

Photographs taken earlier this week by Monmouthshire County Councillor Armand Watts show what appears to be 40 or 44 tonne trucks crossing the bridge. "I drive over the bridge a fair bit. On one trip, my passenger took these photos," he said.

The enforcement difficulties stem from multiple issues, including the absence of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, which National Highways considers essential for proper monitoring.

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Foreign-registered HGVs have been crossing the bridge using outdated satellite navigation systems that still show the previous 44 tonne weight limit.

Old signage displaying the former restrictions remained in place after the new limit was imposed last month, with the National Highways blaming bad weather for the delay in updating them.

Avon & Somerset Police, responsible for enforcing the weight limit, have said they are working with partner agencies to investigate ANPR technology to police the restriction.

National Highways had previously told the council that ANPR cameras are essential for enforcement, warning that without them the bridge could become "a free-for-all".

But the lack of proper enforcement mechanisms has created confusion about whether foreign lorries can legally use the bridge under the current circumstances.

UK hauliers have expressed frustration over the issue, which they argue has created unfair competition due to local operators having to make costly detours, while foreign-registered lorries continue using the bridge.

Joff Raymont, Transport Director for a company managing Caldicot's Hicks Logistics, told Western Telegraph: "Personally, I haven't seen any HGVs on the bridge and I am not aware of foreign vehicles breaching the weight limit. However, UK hauliers do face unfair competition, and that's a serious concern."

He added that drivers flouting UK laws can now have their vehicles confiscated, which "helps create a level playing field".

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Raymont also confirmed that continental drivers using up-to-date satellite navigation systems would be informed about weight limits, meaning "no one has an excuse".

More shockingly, it could be local taxpayers who face the cost of infrastructure damage caused by weight limit breaches, according to Watts. "The whole thing is deeply disturbing. The weight limit must be enforced. The current situation is unacceptable, nothing's clear," he said.

He warned that inadequate enforcement would lead to continued breaches of weight restrictions, placing "massive strains on local infrastructure, and repairs will then have to be paid for. Why should local taxpayers have to fund things that should be prevented by the law?"

Watts has called for a simple "who, what, when, where, why and how approach to enforcement" to make things clear to the public. He emphasised that residents need transparency to "monitor, control and plan" and to hold agencies accountable.

But National Highways has clapped back with the agency stating that enforcement of the bridge is ongoing despite the challenges.

An agency spokesman said: "The number of vehicles breaching the ban since it was introduced has been small and police are in the area carrying out enforcement activity."

The spokesman added that while National Highways is not an enforcement agency, they are "working with local police, through Operation Wolverine, as well as the DVSA and The Traffic Commissioner to prevent infringements and ensure that HGV drivers flouting the ban are challenged."

The agency insists there is extensive signage on approaches to the bridge, and they have briefed hauliers, Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association.