A CYCLIST has raised concerns over drivers in large SUVs and vans “breaking the law” by driving through Keyhole Bridge in Poole.
Currently there are width restrictions in place that only allow vehicles under six feet wide to pass through the controversial bridge in in Whitecliff Road.
The criticism follows a second public consultation on the contentious road closure following a High Court ruling which ordered the council to go back to residents on whether the bridge should be prioritised for cyclists and pedestrians.
In August 2020, BCP introduced an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to prioritise walking and cycling at Keyhole Bridge between Poole Park and Whitecliff Park.
The ETRO was to be in place for 18 months, however a council decision was subsequently made to withdraw the measures more than one month early and reopen the road.
This resulted in a legal challenge lobbied by the Keyhole Bridge User Safety Group who argued the order was “unlawfully” curtailed for “unjustified” reasons before all residents could provide feedback.
Cyclist Robert Jamieson said: “A lot of people use it illegally.
“It is dangerous and it is breaking the law. The law is the law and if people are breaking it, they should be taken to task for it.
Read more: Court of Appeal rules Keyhole Bridge to remain open to traffic
“This affects everybody: cyclists, pedestrians and disabled people.
Mr Jamieson suggested width gauges should be installed to stop people in wide vehicles passing through and police should do checks on cars going through.
A Range Rover from mirror to mirror is six foot five inches wide. The best-selling car so far this year, the Tesla Model Y, is also slightly over the six-foot limit.
Parkstone ward councillor Ann Stribley hit back at the concerns, saying there has “never been any danger from motorists or pedestrians at this location.”
She added: “I’m not surprised there are continuing concerns from the cycling lobby as they are determined to get the Keyhole Bridge decision reversed if at all possible.
Read more: Keyhole Bridge consultation reopens after High Court order
"When my children were small this route was part of our daily walk from Poole Park to the playground and then home again. Same conditions, no problems, just courtesy and consideration needed.
“The width of vehicles is largely irrelevant – either they can safely pass through the bridge or they cannot."
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