Drivers fined in High Level Bridge clampdown

Nov 19 2009 The Journal

POLICE have launched a crackdown on drivers illegally using the High Level Bridge after an investigation by The Journal revealed thousands were flouting the rules and getting away with it.

In October we told how 32,171 drivers had used the fragile bridge against the rules since it re-opened to traffic in June 2008 following a £40m repair job.

But only 62 were prosecuted and handed £30 fixed penalty fines.

Now Northumbria Police has launched a crackdown, carrying out high-profile patrols in the area to deter drivers from using the bridge.

And 1,088 drivers have been prosecuted in the last month.

Regulations were put in place to protect the Grade-I listed structure, built by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1849, from damage.

Traffic on the bridge is restricted to buses and taxis travelling in one direction only, from Newcastle to Gateshead.

A three-tonne weight limit and a 20mph speed limit are in force, there is a width restriction of 11ft 5ins and cyclists must share the footpaths with pedestrians.

In March it emerged Newcastle City Council officials feared the bridge could be at risk if more was not done to prevent people using it illegally.

The council uses cameras and electronic monitoring equipment to capture number plates then passes intelligence to the police.