Tower Bridge could be forced to close to buses because of weight concerns, according to the organisation that manages the bridge.
At the moment, three buses cross the bridge – the 78, the 42 and the 343. They are exempt from the weight restriction rule on vehicles over eighteen tonnes.
But since neighbouring London Bridge closed to private cars, lorries and vans between 7am and 7pm in 2020, drivers of heavier vehicles have been turning to Tower Bridge as an alternative river crossing, just a few hundred metres away, according to the City of London corporation, which indirectly owns the bridge.
Transport for London (TfL), which manages the road across Tower Bridge, is supposed to make sure vehicles heavier than eighteen tonnes do not cross the bridge. But the transport agency has been neglecting its duties, the corporation claimed.
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A report prepared for the corporation meeting this week said: “TfL recognise that protecting the bridge is critically important and has undertaken to investigate and implement additional measures to reduce these vehicles.
“These include investigating additional measures such as signage, stiffer penalties, engaging with freight operators and continued monitoring.
“Unfortunately, we have seen no evidence or had any discussions on these measures.”
Contacted for comment by the News, TfL said it was looking into the issue.
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If nothing changes, the corporation said, it could be forced to ban buses from the bridge to protect it – including tourist buses – and may even lower the weight restriction to bar some lighter vehicles. The corporation discussed putting up physical barriers, such as those at the Rotherhithe Tunnel.
The issue sheds light on the lack of Thames crossings in the east of the capital, especially those suitable for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The only permitted river crossing for HGVs in east London is the Blackwall Tunnel, which has height restrictions of four metres northbound and 4.7 metres southbound. Other than that, drivers can take the Woolwich Ferry a few miles further east, or the Dartford Crossing.
The Silvertown Tunnel, backed by mayor Sadiq Khan in the face of vehement local opposition, will provide another crossing for HGVs when it opens in 2025.