Written question WQ84074

The Welsh Government does not hold this information on the number of HGVs that have been stopped and found to be over the limit since the introduction of the weight limit on the M4 between junctions 24 to 28.

As previously indicated, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) undertakes this activity. The DVSA is responsible for stopping and the policing of HGV weights on the road network and it can be contacted at www.gov.uk/contact-dvsa/y

I note you raised this issue in Business Questions on 7 December in relation to the difficulties you are having in obtaining the information. If this continues, I suggest that you contact the Secretary of State for Transport, who will hopefully be able to assist.

To help you, normal traffic is classified as up to 44 tonnes (44T) in weight and includes traffic known as HGVs. The 44T weight limit is currently in place on the M4 around Newport between junctions 24 to 28.

Any vehicle in excess of 44T is classified as an abnormal load and required to notify the Trunk Road Agent prior to travelling on the strategic road network in Wales.

In relation to abnormal load movements, I can confirm that, since the restriction has been in place, 85 abnormal load movements have been notified to the South Wales Trunk Road Agent and have been told to reroute as they were over the 44T weight limit. They are required to use the Southern Distributor Road around Newport.

My officials have responded to the individual requesting this information with these details to help clarify the situation.

The 44T weight limit has been implemented on the M4 between junctions 24 and 28 due to the structural condition of the Ebbw river bridge at junction 28. Works are ongoing to strengthen the bridge and when completed in the summer of 2022, it is intended that the 44T weight restriction will be removed.