AN ACCIDENT could happen if lorry drivers continue to ignore weight restrictions on a Blackwood river bridge, a police inspector has warned.

Inspector Mike Fleming, of Blackwood Police, says heavy lorries have been spotted using the bridge over the River Sirhowy from Blackwood to Oakdale, near the Rock and Fountain pub.

The weight restriction on the bridge is 7.5 tonnes and Inspector Fleming is concerned about recent breaches of the limit.

Now he is planning more patrols by officers in the area, and any drivers found breaking the restriction will be liable to an on-the-spot fine.

Inspector Fleming said the problem has arisen partly because of roadworks on the routes in and out of the town centre - with motorists trying to find a quicker way.

"People living in the area near the bridge are not used to this level of traffic," he said.

He appealed to residents to be patient, however, saying that "by their very nature" drivers would attempt to find the quickest ways in and out of town. But he warned drivers of heavy vehicles that the weight restriction on the bridge would be enforced.