Siemens system helps enforce weight limit on New Bridge, Oxfordshire

Siemens UK is supplying 21st century technology to help protect a 13th century stone arch bridge over the River Thames in England. The 665m-long New Bridge has national recognition and statutory protection from alteration, but is suffering from the weight of modern vehicles. Siemens’ system is the first time that automatic number plate recognition cameras are being used to enforce a road weight restriction in the county of Oxfordshire. “Evidence downloaded from the cameras can be used to demonstrate that d
May 18, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Never too old for a good camera: Siemens technology is protecting the 13th century New Bridge in Oxfordshire, near London, England (photo: Catarina Walsh)
Siemens UK is supplying 21st century technology to help protect a 13th century stone arch bridge over the River Thames in England


The 665m-long New Bridge has national recognition and statutory protection from alteration, but is suffering from the weight of modern vehicles. 1134 Siemens’ system is the first time that automatic number plate recognition cameras are being used to enforce a road weight restriction in the county of Oxfordshire.

“Evidence downloaded from the cameras can be used to demonstrate that drivers have committed an offence,” said Joe Moxham, UK product sales manager at Siemens ITS. “[The system] provides enforcement-quality images of the vehicle during any time of the day or night and in all weather conditions.”

Vehicles exceeding 18tonnes maximum gross weight using the bridge can be fined up to €1,145. They also maintain an enforcement schedule and permitted vehicle lists. The schedule allows for selected enforcement periods required for other types of restriction. The permitted vehicle lists identify council vehicles permitted to use the route irrespective of their weight limit, such as refuse collection, emergency response vehicles and road maintenance trucks.

The cameras have been installed onto existing CCTV columns to minimise disruption and cost. The equipment uses 3G communications and requires only a power connection, aiding the installation and flexibility of camera deployment.

Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Weigh in motion and ANPR techology aid highway protection
    April 10, 2012
    Weigh-in-motion technology manufacturers have been involved in a number of significant highways tolling projects across the world in recent months, while others are looking to become involved in major new initiatives. Guy Woodford reports. The continuing global economic crisis did not prevent UK-based TDC Traffic Systems from recently securing the prized US$2.84million (€2.14million) contract to supply 20 high speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems for overweight pre-selection and enforcement in Saudi Arabia
    Read More
  • Chubb launches TVOS system for smart motorways
    December 19, 2017
    Chubb Systems has launched a television outstation (TVOS) as an all-weather traffic monitoring CCTV camera system. Chubb’s TVOS also meets the specific technical specifications required by Highways England for its Road Investment Strategy. Chubb, a leading provider of security and fire-safety solutions, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies. The TVOS unit delivers images in ultra-low and zero-light conditions, thanks to its infrared array, explained said Dave Dunnagan
    Read More
  • Elevated thinking
    July 30, 2019
    A Swiss-designed system for the diversion of traffic away from road maintenance crews could be revolutionary, reports David Arminas Switzerland will soon tender for companies to build and supply a mobile system for physically shifting traffic away from bridge and road maintenance crews. The federal highways agency - FEDRO - will be asking manufacturers of heavy equipment to submit bids starting this summer for the Astra Bridge system. The system will be two lanes wide and include ramp sections at e
    Read More
  • Rebuilding a historic bridge linking the US and Canada
    March 8, 2016
    While many road authorities in North America are finding it difficult to stretch their bridge assets beyond half a century, one bridge is closing in on its centenary - David Arminas reports The international Peace Bridge, connecting the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of New York, is 88 years young this year, and still going strong.
    Read More

Highlighted Content