Heavy goods and agricultural vehicle drivers reminded of lane restriction

Basford Bridge

Heavy goods and agricultural vehicle drivers in Staffordshire Moorlands are being reminded of a weight restriction on a district lane following more damage to listed bridges in recent weeks.

A 7.5 tonne limit is in place on Basford Bridge Lane, Cheddleton, where there are two Grade II Listed bridges. One is maintained by the county council and the other by the Canal and River Trust.

Last year, the county council installed new signs at each entrance to the lane to remind drivers of the restriction.

However in recent weeks, heavy vehicle drivers have continued to flout the restriction, resulting in a significant amount of damage, particularly to the canal bridge.

The county council is continuing to work with police, the trust and both district and parish councils to protect the bridges and promote road safety.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:

We’d again like to remind drivers of heavy vehicles not to access Basford Bridge Lane. The weight restriction is in place to protect people’s safety and the structure of the Grade II Listed bridges.

A significant amount of damage has been done in recent weeks and months to the bridges, causing significant disruption and at cost to the trust and the county council.

We have communicated with local businesses to remind them of the restriction and will continue to work with partner organisations to find a longer-term solution.”

Sally Boddy, regional engineer for the Canal & River Trust said:

We would strongly encourage drivers of heavy goods and agricultural drivers to stick to the weight restrictions on the Grade II Listed canal bridge on Basford Bridge Lane.

This bridge is part of the heritage and history of the local area and is protected under its heritage listing. Repairing damage to heritage bridges can be extremely costly and working with our partners, we want to make sure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy as part of the region’s historic canal network.”