Stop HGVs crossing narrow bridge, villagers say

Villagers have called for an end to large lorries crossing a 17th Century bridge.

More than 1,000 have signed a petition calling for action to protect Deeping Gate Bridge, in Deeping St James, which was built in 1651.

They say lorries repeatedly cross the Grade II listed bridge, risking damage to the historic structure.

Peterborough City Council, which maintains the bridge, said it was planning to increase signage and potentially introduce camera enforcement.

The bridge has a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes and villagers say the road is not suitable for large vehicles turning on to it.

Paul Frith, the landlord at the Bell Tavern pub, which overlooks the bridge, said: "When the big 40-footers come over, they are very, very close to hitting the pub itself.

"Just recently it's got absolutely stupid."

Andrew Bowell, who established the petition, said: "Stones have had to be replaced in a couple of places and it's covered in battle scars where it's been scratched."

Peterborough City Council looks after the bridge on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council because it is close to the county border.

Councillor Angus Ellis, the city council's cabinet member for transport, said the weight restriction was a police matter and "challenging to enforce", while a width restriction was "not considered viable" as it would impede cars from maneuvering to pass through.

He added: "We are planning to increase the signage advising of the weight limit and the unsuitability of the route for HGVs.

"We are also considering undertaking a seven-day survey to determine the extent of the issue and whether the signage results in an improvement, after which we may need to consider camera enforcement."

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