Traffic wind filter on crossing

Traffic filtering on Severn Bridge

A new traffic filtering system has come into effect on the M48 Severn Bridge.

Strong winds meant that on Sunday, for the first time, high-sided vehicles and motorbikes were diverted around to the Second Severn Crossing on the M4.

The new traffic filtering system has been introduced to keep the old Severn Bridge open and vehicles moving during high winds.

Under the old system, once wind speeds reached 40 knots, the M48 Severn Bridge was closed to all traffic.

It will now remain open to other vehicles until winds speeds reach 60 knots.

The scheme will operate between 0600 and 2200 BST.

Outside of these times, the bridge will be closed to all traffic if the wind speed is greater than 40 knots.

Chris Pope, from the Highways Agency, said: "We recognise that closing the crossing to all vehicles during periods of high winds has a significant impact on road users by increasing journey times and congestion on the M4.

"This is why we are looking at ways to keep the crossing open to smaller vehicles for longer whilst still operating safely during high winds."