Weight restrictions imposed on another London bridge impacting hundreds of motorists a day
London’s infrastructure concerns have deepened further after Transport for London (TfL) introduced new weight restrictions on Vauxhall Bridge, banning vehicles over 18 tonnes.
The decision follows a recent inspection which found “some elements of the structure have deteriorated”, leading to security concerns in the heart of the capital.
The move echoes similar measures taken at the city’s vital river crossings.
Just three months ago, less than two miles away, Albert Bridge was closed to motor vehicles by Kensington and Chelsea Council after cracks were discovered.
Hammersmith Bridge in West London has also faced the 18-tonne limit since April 2019 due to plinth cracks. Buses and emergency vehicles are exempt from the new Vauxhall Bridge ban.
TfL said Vauxhall Bridge carries an average of 39,500 vehicles a day, with around 200 of these weighing more than 18 tonnes.
The bridge has been closed to abnormal loads (vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes or 11.5 tonnes per axle) since 2023.
Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets and network operations, said: “Safety is our top priority and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is to people traveling in London.
“Therefore, we are taking this precautionary step to impose weight restrictions on the bridge.
“While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us maintain it and keep it open while we develop the long-term improvements it needs.
“We apologize for any disruption caused by the restriction and will continue to monitor the area closely to ensure we keep people updated as this work progresses.”
Steve Gooding, director of the automotive research charity the RAC Foundation, told the Press Association: “We have long argued that the condition of road bridges is a leading indicator of highway maintenance problems accumulating as a result of aging structures, heavier traffic and environmental pressures.
“Passengers who rely on the numerous bus services that cross Vauxhall Bridge each day may be breathing a sigh of relief that their journeys will not be affected by these restrictions.
“But at the Department for Transport (DfT) headquarters about half a mile away, the question must be whether the new Buildings Fund will be big enough to tackle this growing challenge, not just in London but across the country.”
The funding is available to councils to repair bridges, overpasses and tunnels across England.
This is part of a £1bn package to repair roads.
When the government first announced the plan in June last year, it said nearly 3,000 bridges across England were unable to support the heaviest vehicles.
