§ Lord Beaumont of Whitleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How long lorries of more than 32.5 tonnes (" abnormal loads ") have been banned from the Severn Bridge; when remedial work to make the bridge safe for heavier lorries will be completed; whether the bridge will then be capable of carrying an unrestricted number of 40-tonne lorries in a closely-spaced queue in one inside lane and what the total cost of the remedial work will be.
§ The Earl of AvonThe 32.5 tonnes weight restriction has been in existence for about five years. An assessment of the bridge's load carrying capacity is due for completion this spring after which the need for any strengthening will be reviewed, in the light of traffic needs.