HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 c766W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what policy guidance exists on procedures for restrictions of traffic and closures of the M48 Severn crossing; whether the closures of the M48 Severn crossing are monitored and recorded; and whether a risk assessment of the M48 Severn crossing during adverse weather conditions has been carried out. [60476]

Mr. Jamieson

Operational procedures for restrictions of traffic and closures of the M48 Severn bridge during high winds are agreed between the Avon and Somerset police and the Highways Agency.

Closures are decided by the police, who monitor them by surveillance camera. Severn River Crossing plc keep a record of bridge closures and also monitor wind speeds with anemometers positioned on the bridge.

Current procedures are based on over 30 years of experience of the effect of wind speed and direction on the various types of traffic using the crossing. The Highways Agency is investigating the scope for a formal risk assessment of traffic behaviour on the Severn bridge during adverse weather conditions.