§ Sir John WheelerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the road bridges across the Thames within the area of greater London and indicate which of them are, or will be, subject to closure and restriction because of maintenance; and how many are subject to width restrictions affecting traffic flow.
§ Mr. NorrisThe following bridges carry roads across the Thames in the greater London area: Tower bridge, 727W London bridge, Southwark bridge, Blackfriars bridge, Waterloo bridge, Westminster bridge, Lambeth bridge, Vauxhall bridge, Chelsea bridge, Albert bridge, Battersea bridge, Wandsworth bridge, Putney bridge, Hammersmith bridge, Chiswick bridge, Kew bridge, Twickenham bridge, Richmond bridge, Kingston bridge and Hampton bridge. Chiswick, Kew and Richmond bridges carry trunk roads. Local highway authorities are responsible for all other structures.
I am aware that the following restrictions currently apply: Tower bridge, 17 tonnes weight; Westminster bridge, 7.5 tonnes weight; Albert bridge, 2.1 m width—temporary—two tonnes weight; Battersea bridge, 2.5 m width; and Hammersmith bridge, three tonnes weight.
Proposals to restrict bridges that carry or connect designated roads are subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of State under the Local Government Act 1985. Under these powers my Department can ensure that restrictions on structures that affect traffic flow are essential and are imposed for the minimum time necessary.