Police checks truck traffic on Merwede Bridge: 34 fines issued

This morning, several trucks were removed from the road at the Merwede Bridge, near Gorinchem. Since mid-last month, it has been prohibited for heavy traffic to use the bridge due to weakened steel. Despite this ban, some trucks attempted to cross the bridge.

The police and Rijkswaterstaat are conducting checks from Monday to Friday to enforce the ban on heavy traffic. According to Rijkswaterstaat, about 18,000 trucks normally cross the Merwede Bridge each day, but this number has significantly decreased due to the imposed ban.

On the first day of checks, 34 fines were issued against trucks and coaches that ignored the restricted access. This was carried out by motorcycle officers specifically tasked with monitoring compliance with the ban.

The fine for ignoring the ban amounts to 500 euros per vehicle. This enforcement action has been established to ensure safety, given the condition of the bridge.

According to a spokesperson for Rijkswaterstaat, the checks are a necessary part of the measures taken to guarantee the bridge's safety in light of the current situation. Cooperation with the police is essential in this regard.

The enforcement of the ban will continue until Friday, and it is expected that more fines will be issued if vehicles from the prohibited category are encountered.