Vauxhall Bridge to get 18-Tonne weight limit after TfL assessment

Megan Gilks Posted On May 15, 2026

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Transport for London (TfL) will introduce a new 18-tonne weight restriction on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July, following a recent structural assessment that identified signs of deterioration.

TfL has described the measure as “safety critical”, stressing that the bridge remains safe for public use but requires protection while longer-term repair and renewal plans are developed.

Emergency vehicles and buses will be exempt from the restriction, meaning bus routes will continue to operate as normal.

Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets and network operations, said limiting heavier vehicles would help protect the bridge and keep it open while future improvements are planned.

Vehicles over 18 tonnes will be diverted in both directions. TfL said around 39,500 vehicles use Vauxhall Bridge each day, with about 200 vehicles, roughly 0.5% of daily traffic, exceeding the new limit, mainly heavy goods vehicles.

The bridge has already been subject to restrictions since 2023 for vehicles over 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle.

The move comes amid wider concern over London’s ageing bridge infrastructure. Albert Bridge was closed to motor vehicles in February after a crack was found in a cast-iron component, with repairs expected to cost around £8.5m and take up to a year.

Hammersmith Bridge has also remained closed to motor traffic since 2019 after cracks were discovered in its pedestals, while Broadmead Road Bridge in Redbridge has been closed since July 2023.

Last year, the Department for Transport announced £1bn for local highways enhancement projects, including a new structures fund to support councils with repairs to bridges, flyovers and tunnels.

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