Breaching Bradford bridge limit brings fines

Two more companies have been successfully prosecuted for breaching the weight limit on Bradford on Avon Town Bridge.

Spizarnia (UK) Ltd and Wessex Eagle Ltd pleaded guilty to two offences at Swindon Magistrates Court. A vehicle operated by Spizarnia breached the weight limit on 22 September 2017 while a vehicle operated by Wessex Eagle Ltd breached the limit on 12 October 2017 .

Each company was ordered to pay £750, made up of a £500 fine, £200 costs and £50 victim surcharge.

Yvonne Bennett, Wiltshire Council trading standards manager said "These prosecutions are further examples of positive partnership working and the dedication of local volunteers. Our aim is to prevent breaches of the Town Bridge weight restriction and we hope that these successful results will serve as a reminder that a disregard for weight restrictions in our communities will not be tolerated."

Inspector James Brain said, "Wiltshire Police rely on the time and efforts of volunteers who report offending vehicles to the Wiltshire Police Lorry Watch Support team.

"The scheme very much focusses on prevention and education, however these prosecutions demonstrate that in partnership with Wilshire Council and our volunteers we are prepared to actively enforce when required".