THE number of drivers using Newport's historic Transporter Bridge has nosedived since the Southern Distributor Road was opened.

Before the new road bridge started taking traffic across the Usk, the Transporter Bridge was used by an average of 2,670 vehicles weekly. But after the bowstring bridge, set to be called City Bridge, opened last November, the figure fell to just 650 vehicles. The fall means a loss in council income of £1,000 a week.

Anne Gatehouse, secretary of the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge, said the new level, which is less than a quarter of the pre-SDR average, is a cause of great concern.

She said: "Newport people must realise that we use it or lose it." The Transporter Bridge is one of the city's most famous landmarks, one of only two remaining working models in the UK, and next year is set to celebrate its centenary.

Drivers are now opting to use the £55m Southern Distributor Road that has freed up Corporation Road.

Previously, many preferred the Transporter Bridge to getting stuck in jams on Corporation Road and the long detour through the city centre. Mrs Gatehouse added: "It has always run at a loss and been supported by the council.

"The income just helped towards maintenance. We don't really know what will happen to it if usage remains low.

"There's still a huge amount of interest and it draws a lot of visitors. We had a coachload from France this week."

A council spokesman said: "The Transporter Bridge benefits from seasonal income and it is anticipated that this will remain unaffected."

Peter Frood, project manager of Newport SDR for contractors Morgan Vinci, said: "The whole idea of the SDR was to move traffic across the river faster. The Transporter Bridge is wonderful and I hope it stays." Anyone interested in The Friends of the Transporter Bridge can call 01633 781 612.