Drivers have been warned tougher penalties could soon be introduced for anyone who ignores weight limits on two key bridges in Cumbria.
Westmorland and Furness Council warned too many Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers are still breaking the 7.5 tonne restrictions on Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges, even though the rules are clearly signposted.
Officials have now stated the behaviour is creating unnecessary safety risks and may force the local authority to take stronger action.
The warning follows repeated reports lorries continue to use the bridges despite police checks and earlier public appeals.
Both bridges, which cross the A591, were closed last year after engineers raised concerns about their condition. Although they have since reopened, they can only be used safely by vehicles below the 7.5 tonne limit.
After the initial closure, the council hired an independent specialist to undertake a full structural review. The expert concluded that the bridges needed temporary closures so more detailed monitoring could take place.
This process took several months, and the bridges were only reopened in February once the weight limits had been added to protect them from damage.
Since then, Cumbria Police have been carrying out regular spot checks using both marked and unmarked vehicles.
The council has warned that it will increase penalties to drivers who continue to flout the rules
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These checks have found that many drivers are still ignoring the restriction. Officers can now prosecute drivers who break the rules, meaning offenders risk a criminal record and penalty points, as well as a fine.
According to the council, patience has been wearing thin, with officials now stating that if the situation does not improve, they may consider tougher measures.
Councillor Peter Thornton has urged drivers to take the warning seriously. “Safety has to come first,” he said. “These restrictions are not optional. Anyone choosing to ignore them is putting themselves and others in danger.
We are monitoring the situation closely, and if drivers continue to break the rules, we will have to look at what further steps we can take.”
The weight restriction was hoped to protect the bridges, which were originally built in the 1960s
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PAMonitoring has recently been increased on both bridges so the council can gather accurate, up-to-date information about how many overweight vehicles continue to use them.
Mr Thornton said this data will guide any future decisions, including whether stricter enforcement or new restrictions are needed if drivers do not comply voluntarily.
The two bridges, which were built during the 1960s and 1970s, use a reinforced concrete “half-joint” design. Structures of this type are now known nationally to need much closer scrutiny than most other bridge designs.
Even though recent inspections have not found any serious new problems, half-joint bridges have weaknesses that mean they must be carefully assessed and monitored over long periods. Weight limits are a key part of keeping them safe for the long term.
HGVs can be fined for breaching the weight limit
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARYTo meet national standards, the council uses specialist consultants to carry out these assessments and has committed to ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Officials say this approach will help ensure the bridges continue to be safe for everyday use by the general public.
Although most drivers follow the rules, local residents say they have seen HGVs and other heavy lorries continuing to cross the bridges. Some have raised fears that repeated overloading could cause a sudden failure — exactly what the restrictions are designed to prevent. The council emphasised that the vast majority of vehicles, including cars and light vans, can use the bridges as normal.
Only heavier vehicles are affected, and alternative routes are clearly marked. Even so, with safety at risk, the council and police are urging all drivers to take the restrictions seriously.
Anyone caught breaking the limit can expect prosecution, and if the problem continues, enforcement is likely to become even tougher.
