TWO more companies have been successfully prosecuted for breaching the weight restriction limit on Bradford on Avon Town Bridge.

Spizarnia (UK) Ltd and Wessex Eagle Ltd pleaded guilty to two offences at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 30.

A vehicle operated by Spizarnia of Manchester breached the Bradford on Avon Town Bridge weight limit on September 22 2017 while a vehicle operated by Wessex Eagle Ltd of Chard in Somerset breached the limit on October 12 2017 .

Each company was ordered to pay £750, made up of a £500 fine, £200 costs and £50 victim surcharge.

The two convictions are the third successful prosecution to take place in the past three months and follow a period of more than a year when no companies were prosecuted for breaching the 18-tonne weight restriction on the bridge.

In March, Ashtead Plant Hire Company Ltd, of Warrington, pleaded guilty to two offences at Chippenham Magistrates Court.The offences took place on August 10 and September 11 2017.

The company was fined £400 for each offence. Wiltshire Council was awarded £300 costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40. The total penalty was £1,140.

Yvonne Bennett, Wiltshire Council trading standards manager, said “These prosecutions are further examples of positive partnership working and the dedication of local volunteers.

“Our aim is to prevent breaches of the Town Bridge weight restriction and we hope that these successful results will serve as a reminder that a disregard for weight restrictions in our communities will not be tolerated.”

Inspector James Brain said: “Wiltshire Police rely on the time and efforts of volunteers who report offending vehicles to the Wiltshire Police Lorry Watch Support team.

“The scheme very much focusses on prevention and education, however these prosecutions demonstrate that in partnership with Wiltshire Council and our volunteers we are prepared to actively enforce when required.”