CAMPAIGNERS hope a 'regularly breached' width restriction at Keyhole Bridge will factor into the council’s final decision on the controversial topic.
An historic but existing traffic order dictates only vehicles less than six feet wide can pass under Keyhole Bridge at Whitecliff Road, Poole, with campaigners claiming every vehicle counted in a recent survey breached the order.
As reported, the bridge was the subject of a BCP Council-backed Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in 2020 to close the road to traffic. This, however, was unlawfully curtailed in March last year – following which the Keyhole Bridge User Safety Group successfully lobbied at the Court of Appeal for the ETRO’s public consultation to be extended.
The subject of the width restriction was first highlighted in May this year, when local cyclist Robert Jamieson called for the council to enforce it after reporting drivers in larger vehicles “breaking the law”.
These calls have been echoed by the Keyhole Bridge User Safety Group, who say the restriction is there to protect pedestrians passing under the bridge on foot.
A spokesperson said: “Following the judicial review, and in response to our request, the council investigated the six-foot width restriction traffic order at Keyhole Bridge and confirmed that the width includes wing mirrors.
“In a number of surveys carried out at the bridge we found that 100 per cent of cars and vans using the bridge were over six-foot wide when wing mirrors were included and therefore in contravention of the order. The council have confirmed they were previously unaware of this situation, and we therefore expect this new evidence to form a significant part of their review.
“In addition, we submitted a report from independent traffic consultants highlighting the policy, safety and economic benefits of closing the bridge.
“Given the weight of this new evidence, and in particular the evidence regarding the traffic order, we believe the decision to open Keyhole Bridge to motor traffic was irrational. Should the council decide to confirm their previous decision we would take advice on whether to return to court on that basis.”
A Range Rover is six foot five inches wide from mirror to mirror. The best-selling car so far this year, the Tesla Model Y, is also slightly over the six-foot limit.
A BCP Council communication states: “A width restriction of 6 foot-0 inches along with a hazard warning denoting a maximum available headroom of 7 foot-6 inches is in place at the bridge. They are designed to protect the railway bridge and avoid collisions.
“They give orders and indicate regulatory requirements for moving traffic, meaning that a Traffic Regulation Order applies. The signs signify that those vehicles exceeding the width indicated are prohibited from passing.
“Moving Traffic Regulation Orders are legally enforceable by the relevant police constabulary.”
A decision on the future of Keyhole Bridge will be made this autumn.
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