News

A Cambridgeshire town is piloting a scheme involving CCTV cameras to catch LGV drivers breaching weight limits and damaging a bridge. The results have so far been such a success that plans are being made to roll out the idea to other towns across the county. Trading Standards officers for Cambridgeshire County Council have installed two cameras in order to monitor the movement of trucks over the Town Bridge in March. It says millions of pounds are spent repairing and replacing bridges damaged  by overweight vehicles and yet drivers are continuing to flout the restrictions.

In just four hours of footage officers spotted nine vehicles crossing the bridge which they believe were over the weight limit. Officers are now checking the details of 30 vehicles they have seen using the bridge. Information will be checked with VOSA and the DVLA and warning letters sent out. Repeat offenders could be prosecuted and face fines of up to £1,000. Council fair trading officer, Charlotte Wilson says she is now in discussions with Huntingdonshire district council to try something similar. She says: "There is also a safety issue in the centre of March as the bridge is in the middle of the shopping area where there are many pedestrians."