A weight restriction will be installed on one of London’s busiest bridges this summer as a safety measure.
London’s iconic bridges have become a ticking time bomb after structural issues and wear and tear closed the likes of Hammersmith Bridge and Albert Bridge to traffic.
Last month, concerns were raised about Vauxhall, Westminster and Lambeth Bridges as the crossings were added to TfL’s ‘critical’ watchlist.
Vauxhall Bridge, which connects Westminster and Lambeth, is set to have an 18-tonne weight limit introduced due to the deterioration of some of its parts.
The ‘safety critical’ temporary weight restriction of 18 tonnes will come into place from July 1, 2026, Transport for London said.
It means the Grade II-listed bridge will be generally off limits for large commercial vehicles like loaded lorries.
Buses and emergency vehicles will be exempt from the restriction.
TfL said the change affects around 200 vehicles a day, or around 0.5% of the current 39,500 daily vehicle crossings.
Vauxhall Bridge has been closed to extremely heavy vehicles exceeding 44 tonnes, like large articulated lorries, since 2023.
Why was the weight limit introduced?
Crucial components of the bridge that bear the weight were found to be in a ‘very poor’ condition recently.
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While the bridge has been deemed safe, an inspection found that parts of the structure have deteriorated.
The temporary measure is designed to avoid further damage to the bridge before a solution is found.
Bridges are given scores up to 40, with anything under it sparking an investigation or action.
Vauxhall is said to have bagged a score of 22.2, while nearby Westminster was given 31, and Lambeth scoring almost 23.
How long will the restriction last?
It is not known yet when the weight limit will be lifted.
TfL said it will be in place while it works to resolve the problems ‘as quickly as possible and continues to develop a long-term plan for the bridge.’
Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets and network operations, said: ‘Safety is our top priority, and we know how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London. This is why we’re taking this precautionary step to introduce a weight restriction to the bridge.
‘While the bridge remains safe, limiting heavier vehicles helps us protect and keep it open while we develop the long‑term improvements it needs.
‘We are sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction, and we’ll continue to monitor the area closely, ensuring we keep people updated as this work progresses.’
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