LORRIES are continuing to flout a ban on them crossing a landmark bridge.

The HGVs, which are currently banned from using Barnard Castle’s County Bridge, have sparked outrage among residents who say they are continuing to cross the landmark which is the main route through the town.

And it seems enforcement cameras installed by the council have still not had the desired effect.

Town councillor Tom Deacon said although the lorries did not pose a risk to the bridge with their weight they often damaged the walls trying to cross.

He also said there was a problem with the amount of lorries who caused chaos trying to turn around at the bridge itself after realising they couldn’t cross.

“It causes chaos at the best of times because quite often lorries go down there and then they realise they have gone the wrong way round and try to turn round,” he said.

“We have also got the issue of when they do go the right way round the Market Cross because it can be dangerous when they mount the footpaths.”

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “Following the resolution of issues with the camera software last month we are now actively monitoring vehicles using Barnard Castle bridge and are working with our colleagues at Durham Constabulary to take appropriate action where necessary.”

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle Police Station, said: “The camera on County Bridge is owned and monitored by Durham County Council and the county council are responsible for the monitoring and administration of the unit, they have the rule of writing to offenders to warn and advise as appropriate.

“Where an element of enforcement is required the county council will liaise with the police traffic management at headquarters to discuss and appropriate response and a shared decision.”