A LORRY driver spotted breaking the weight restriction on March town bridge is being investigated by Cambridgeshire County Council officials. A council spokesman confirmed that photographic evidence provided by the Cambs Times will be used as part of the

A LORRY driver spotted breaking the weight restriction on March town bridge is being investigated by Cambridgeshire County Council officials.

A council spokesman confirmed that photographic evidence provided by the Cambs Times will be used as part of the investigation into Wednesday's incident.

Photographer Brian Purdy took these photographs of the lorry as it passed through Broad Street and then over the bridge, ignoring the clearly labelled prohibition notice to loads of more than 7.5 tonnes.

The council spokesman said in the past year it had taken legal action against 11 drivers using the March bridge illegally.

"Trading standards enforces weight restriction on roads and bridges," said the spokesman. "Of the 11 cases investigated, three drivers were given written warnings, the rest went to court."

He said penalties have included fines ranging from £150 to £300 with costs ranging from £50 to £200.

"We take a very dim view of people flouting weight restrictions," said the spokesman. "They are there for a reason. Some of these bridges cannot take prolonged use of heavy vehicles and also it can be very distressing for local residents.

"From the photos we have been sent from your paper, we will be contacting the company and talking to them about the issue.

"We carry out regular checks on weight limited areas across the county and we have officers in those areas watching to see who violates the weight restriction and we take down their details and make appropriate contact".

The lorry photographed on Wednesday belonged to Roger Bullivant and Co, a specialist engineering company.

Company spokesman Karen Makin said: "Thank you for your e-mail and photographs drawing to our attention one of our company vehicles crossing March town bridge in contravention of a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

"The information was passed to me as the company's press and PR manager and for the moment the company has no comment to make.