Section 183: Prohibiting use of bridges by vehicles

183. Prohibiting use of bridges by vehicles (1) Where the Minister is satisfied that a bridge over which a road passes is insufficient to carry vehicles the gross weight of which exceeds a certain limit, he may, by a conspicuous notice placed in a proper position at each end of the bridge, prohibit the use of the bridge by a vehicle whose gross weight exceeds the weight specified in the notice. R27 – 141 [Issue 1] Road Traffic Act (2) In this section, “placed in a proper position” means placed in such a position— (a) on or near the bridge; or (b) on or near the road leading to the bridge, as to be visible at a reasonable distance from the bridge to the drivers of vehicles approaching it. (3) (a) The fact that a prohibition under subsection (1) has been made by the Minister and has been notified in the manner prescribed in that subsection shall be published in the Gazette. (b) An omission to publish the prohibition and notification shall not affect the validity of the prohibition or notification. (4) (a) Where, without the consent of the Minister, a vehicle is driven across a bridge in contravention of a notice placed under subsection (1)— (i) the driver of the vehicle; or (ii) the person who causes or permits it to be driven, shall, without prejudice to any civil liability incurred by him in the case of damage being caused to the bridge or otherwise, commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 1,000 rupees. (b) Where, in any proceedings under this subsection, the prosecutor satisfies the Court that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the gross weight of the vehicle exceeded the weight specified in the notice, the burden shall lie on the defendant to prove that the gross weight of the vehicle did not exceed the weight specified in the notice.