Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the HGV weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge on (a) haulers, (b) congestion and (c) businesses in (i) Forest of Dean constituency and (ii) surrounding areas; and what steps her Department is taking to (A) identify and (b) implement a solution to the weight restriction.

The weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge was introduced by National Highways as a safety measure following the identification of deterioration in the bridge’s main suspension cables. To keep the bridge open to the majority of traffic, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, have been temporarily restricted.

National Highways carried out traffic modelling to understand potential impacts, including on hauliers, congestion and rerouting in areas such as the Forest of Dean and nearby junctions. The decision to impose a weight restriction followed a review of alternative options and was considered the most effective way to address safety concerns while limiting disruption.

National Highways has engaged with local authorities, industry bodies and operators to keep them informed. A dedicated team is progressing work on a medium-term traffic management solution, which is currently in the feasibility stage. The restriction is expected to remain in place for 12 to 18 months subject to further investigations, with updates provided to stakeholders as work progresses.