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Cameras to watch

21st March 1996, Page 7
21st March 1996
Page 7
Page 7, 21st March 1996 — Cameras to watch
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

over weak bridges IN THE PUBLIC

INTEREST?

by Derren Hayes • Closed circuit television is being used to trap lorry drivers who flaunt weight limits on bridges in Yorkshire and could soon be used in other parts of the country.

The cameras are being installed by

North Yorkshire County Council to protect crumbling bridges because cash shortages could mean many remain unstrengthened for several years. The first camera is being set up at Cawood Bridge, near Selby to reduce the number of drivers who ignore its 7.5tonne limit.

The 125,000 system has a pressure pad in the road surface which is triggered by vehicles above a certain weight. This activates a video camera which catches the vehicle and its number plate on film, providing solid evidence of an offence.

The 126-year-old listed swing bridge used to be manned round the clock, but since this was reduced to just four hours some hauliers have taken advantage, says North Yorkshire County Council. North Yorkshire bridge engineer Peter Welch says: "We've caught lorries of 20 tonnes going over before and if this carried on it would damage the bridge severely.

"This could be used on other bridges if the funding is available. I doubt it will be the last." Welch added that several other councils had contacted him because they were interested in the video system.

Under new EU regulations that will allow heavier trucks to use UK roads from 1999, thousands of bridges across the country might have weight restrictions imposed due to lack of funds available for strengthening (CM7-13 Sept 1995).


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