ACCIDENT FEARS FOR BRIDGE
Call to enforce Britannia speed restrictions in bad weather:
TRUCK drivers fear a serious accident will occur on the Britannia Bridge unless speed restrictions are enforced during bad weather.
When gale-force winds blow, the bridge, which carries the A55 between Anglesey and the mainland, is sometimes closed to high-sided vehicles, which are diverted across the Menai suspension bridge.
It is not unusual for vans, caravans and motorcyclists to be advised to take the older bridge and for a 30mph speed limit to be imposed.
However, during strong winds this month, many motorists reported seeing huge articulated lorries and other high-sided vehicles risking the Britannia Bridge at speed despite the warning signs and speed restriction.
Anglesey AM Rhun ap Iorwerth has criticised lorry drivers who flout safety warnings.
He said: “It is irresponsible for people to ignore the signs in high winds. The signs are there for good reason.”
Truck drivers writing on an online forum appear to agree with Mr ap Iorwerth.
One driver, who gave his name online as Scania Carl, said: “It’s a small minority of truckers who flout the law and there’s no need to do it.
“If the winds are so strong on the (A)55 that there are speed limits then the ferries at Holyhead are going to be delayed anyway so there’s no rush to get there.”
At the Roadking Truckstop in Holyhead, Dennis Hughes said he agreed some drivers ran the risk of a serious accident.
“They are taking a chance every time,” he said.
“The wind comes in gusts and, if it catches you right, there’s nothing you can do.
“It’s not just the Britannia but on high-level routes too. Every driver knows what might happen.”
The 57-year-old said one reason for the risk-taking was the diversion route over the Menai suspension bridge.
“I took an artic across the Menai Bridge a couple of weeks ago, as I’d not been across it for a fair few years,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe how tight it is, both mirrors folded in. I got through with barely a fag paper to spare either side.”
The signs on the Britannia Bridge have been updated recently, but are still only advisory.
Traffic Wales have initiated total closures for relatively short periods of time in recent months but normally rely on drivers to take note of the advice on the signs.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “A closure of the Britannia Bridge to high-sided vehicles is necessary when wind speeds mean it is dangerous for them to use the crossing. This measure is absolutely vital in ensuring the safety of road users.
“The vast majority of the travelling public adhere to the restriction signs. However, there are some who ignore the warnings and put themselves and others at risk.
“These signs are there for people’s safety and the consequences of dismissing them could be significant and lead to lengthy closures for recovery, as has been the case in the past.
“We want everyone to use the Britannia Bridge safely and our aim is to keep traffic moving as best we can during adverse weather conditions.
“We can all do this by following the instructions in place.”
In February 2014, the bridge was closed for 17 hours after a lorry overturned during a storm. The bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles at the time.
The driver later pleaded guilty to careless driving.