MEMBER of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has written to the UK Government to request the weight limit on the M48 crossing be increased.

In his letter to the secretary of state for transport, the Mr Fox highlighted that both he and the hauliers he had spoken to accept the need for the works but stated this comes with implications.

Peter informed the department for transport that a suggestion had been made to him to allow tractor units (lorry cabs) across the bridge.

Modern cab units typically weigh around 8.5 tonnes, which is only one tonne over the current weight limit on the bridge of 7.5 tonnes.

Mr Fox suggested this additional increase would be a large benefit to hauliers, without impacting on the bridge anywhere near as much as allowing fully loaded lorries across.

In his correspondence, Peter asked the Secretary of State for their consideration and response to his suggestion.

Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said: “This is an excellent suggestion and opportunity to improve the situation for hauliers in both my constituency and in England.”

“It is a small change on paper, but will require some changes to legislation, and of course additional signage, which is why I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport.

“If this change were to be implemented, it would mean the impact to hauliers would be greatly reduced.”

“Concessions such as these go a long way in fostering good relations between Government and the public, and I sincerely hope the Department for Transport consider my letter fully, and not just dismiss it out of hand.”