Return of HGVs to the Severn Bridge

National Highways have announced plans to remove the weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge and allow HGVs to use the bridge again. But to reduce pressure on the bridge structure, the number of HGVs on the bridge at one time will need to be controlled. They plan to do this by filtering all HGVs off the motorway as they approach the bridge, via Aust roundabout, holding them when needed using traffic lights on the slip way back onto the bridge.

Work to install the necessary cameras and equipment will start very soon. The new system is expected to be in operation by the end of 2026. You can find more about the proposals here: National Highways identifies solution to M48 weight restriction.

National Highways have modelled the potential traffic flows and assure us that the holding mechanism will only be triggered very occasionally and that there will be only a small increase in queuing traffic on the A403 and surrounding local roads when this does happen.

The parish council are pressing National Highways to ensure the concerns of our residents are taken into account. Worries about gridlock of traffic on the roundabout and increased noise and air pollution have been put forward. We will continue to push for more details about how National Highways propose to reduce these potential impacts, and are hoping to meeting with them in the near future to get some answers.

Any further news will be posted here and in council meeting minutes.