BUILT IN 1569: Drivers with lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes are crossing the County Bridge

LORRY drivers are ignoring the law and taking heavy vehicles over an ancient bridge - because a camera set up to gather evidence is out of action.

The equipment has not worked for years, though it is aimed at the County Bridge, built in 1569 over the River Tees at Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Numerous signs warn vehicles over 7.5 tonnes that they are barred from the structure, and that a camera is in operation.

But the Barnard Castle Vision team, which is looking at solutions to the town's traffic problems, says many lorry drivers realise they can use the bridge and escape prosecution.

Dr Anne Allen, an official of the team, said: "We want the camera repaired so drivers have to obey the weight limit. Until it starts operating again, they know they can get away with it.

"Some very large vehicles with company names emblazoned on the side cross the bridge regularly. We want them to be named and shamed as well as prosecuted."

The camera was installed in 1984 when the weight limit was imposed to save the stonework from damage, and to stop goods vehicles from the A66 cutting through the town in-stead of going via Scotch Corner.

A Durham police spokesman said: "We know the camera has been out of action for a while, but it is under review and we may be able to fit some more modern technology.

"However, we are sure the camera warning signs must act as a deterrent to a lot of lorry drivers and persuade them not to take a chance."

Durham County Council is to join the police in trying to arrange new digital equipment to monitor the bridge.

In its early days the camera trapped a number of drivers, who were traced and fined up to £200 apiece by magistrates.

The Vision team is also looking at ideas for new residents' parking zones, information signs, a park-and-ride scheme, reduced speed limits near schools and several other measures.

Once a traffic plan has been drawn up by the end of next month, it will be put out for consultation with residents, traders, councillors and other interested groups.

6:02am Saturday 29th March 2008

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