Restricted bridges
Structural weight limits
A structural weight limit (a round sign with a weight limit
only) is a mandatory limit meaning the bridge is weak. To
protect it, vehicles whose plated weight is over the limit must not
be driven over the bridge.
Some of Kent's bridges are weak and protected by structural
weight limits to ensure no damage is caused to them. These
are:
- a permanent restriction which is acceptable and sustainable
for the road the bridge is on
- a temporary restriction imposed when the structure is
awaiting strengthening to protect the safety of the road
user.
These are based on plated vehicle weights and the vehicle is
banned even if empty.
Environmental limits
An environmental limit (generally 7.5T shown on a lorry on a
round sign) is also a mandatory limit. It is to
discourage heavy goods vehicles from using the route as a through
route. This is either for a social or environmental reason, or
because the lane is too narrow.
Use of bridges can also be restricted by environmental weight,
width or length limits, applied either to the road on which
the bridge lies or to the bridge itself.
These are to prevent the use of routes by through traffic
but may also be related to physical difficulties in road alignment
or width.
View a table of
restricted bridges (PDF, 29k)