- Transport for London (TfL) has imposed new weight restrictions on Vauxhall Bridge, banning vehicles exceeding 18 tonnes due to structural deterioration.
- The decision is a precautionary safety measure, though the bridge remains safe, to protect it while long-term improvements are planned.
- Buses and emergency vehicles are exempt from the new restrictions, which affect approximately 200 vehicles daily out of 39,500 crossing the bridge.
- This move follows similar restrictions on other London river crossings, including Albert Bridge, which closed to motor vehicles three months ago, and Hammersmith Bridge, which has had an 18-tonne limit since 2019.
- Motoring research charity RAC Foundation highlighted that bridge conditions indicate wider highway maintenance problems, underscoring the need for the government's new Structures Fund to address ageing infrastructure nationwide.
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