Weight Restrictions Lifted On Seven Isle Of Wight Bridges

Heavy goods and public service vehicles are now able to use seven bridges across the Isle of Wight following the lifting of weight restrictions.

County Hall has decided to remove the regulations for the Park Road, Lower Calbourne and Towngate bridges on the back of advice from Island Roads.

The revocation also applies to four other bridges without signage displayed: Caesars Road, Sandy Lane, Highwood Lane and Longwood Lane.

An Isle of Wight Council report says the structure of the bridges has been recently improved or inspected by Island Roads.

The local authority understands that removing the restrictions will contribute to ‘better managing’ traffic on the Island.

Leaving the old Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in place and limiting access to direct routes for public services and heavy goods vehicles without reason goes against the council’s corporate aim of supporting the local economy, businesses and residents, the report said.

As a Local Highway Authority, County Hall must ensure the expeditious and safe movement of people, services and goods on the Isle of Wight’s highways.

The issuing, amending or revoking of TROs is a ‘vital instrument’ for carrying out that duty, the council said.

A public notice outlining the weight limit removal proposals and inviting comments was published in the Isle of Wight County Press on February 20.

It was also displayed on street for a 21-day period.

No representations were received during the consultation.