NEW speed and weight limits are introduced on a North-East bridge today.

A 20-mile-per-hour restriction will be in force, along with a three-tonne vehicle weight limit, on the High Level Bridge which crosses the Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle.

Until today, the weight limit for vehicles using the bridge was 7.5 tonnes.

The Grade I-listed bridge, which was designed by railway pioneer Robert Stephenson, opened in 1849.

It carries the main East Coast railway line from London to Edinburgh, just south of Newcastle Central Station, but has a separate deck for road vehicles.

About 9,000 vehicles use the bridge each day and its owner, Network Rail, has expressed concern about the impact of the volume of traffic on the ageing structure.

Repair and maintenance work has recently been carried out by Network Rail, with further essential maintenance planned for April.

This will see the bridge closed to all road traffic for about six months.

Signs are being mounted and automatic measures introduced to ensure that weight and speed limits are adhered to before the closure in April.

Councillor Wendy Taylor, Newcastle City Council's executive member for environment, sustainability and transport, said: "If these protective measures are not taken, it's likely that the bridge will have to be closed to all road traffic to prevent further damage and the possibility of a serious situation resulting from the weak condition of the bridge.

"We have, however, agreed with Network Rail that the current bus route is maintained."