DRIVERS whose vehicles exceed the weight limit on Marlow Bridge must be willing to face the consequences, Wycombe's council chief says.

Cllr Richard Scott, leader of Wycombe District Council, has fully backed a police crackdown on motorists using the iconic structure.

An operation last month split opinion, proving controversial because of the fact that a number of Range Rover style cars were asked to turn around. Sixteen commercial vehicles were given £50 penalties on that day.

Inspector Scott Messenger has stressed that he is not out to persecute drivers but must protect the bridge, which can be hugely expensive to maintain.

Cllr Scott told the BFP: "To me it's like any other enforcement of the law. It's like speeding, if you speed, you may get prosecuted.

"There's a weight limit clearly signed on the bridge, clearly signed as far away as Bisham. If you choose to break it you put up with the consequences of any law."

The limit is three metric tonnes.

He said: "The bridge is a great asset to the town and the district. It costs a lot of money to maintain and it's right we should restrict the use of it to lighter vehicles.

"The limit is there to be enforced and occasionally the police enforce it, given the cost.

We've just refurbished it this year."

There are bollards at the entrance to the bridge but this has not prevented larger vehicles entering.

Last month a lorry ploughed through the bridge bollards leaving behind part of its wheel arch and causing damage.

Regarding the fact police said the operation had polarised opinion in Marlow, Cllr Scott said: "Anything like that is going to have its supporters and objectors but from what I read in the press by and large most people support the restriction."

Police have asked drivers if they are unsure about their vehicle's weight to check the vin plates and the owner's manual.

There will be further enforcement operations in future.