Severn Bridges Act 1992

31 Protection of new bridge

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations for the purpose of protecting the new bridge (both during construction and once it is completed) from damage which may be caused to it by vessels or craft using the river Severn.

(2) Regulations under this section shall not be made so as to apply to the use of any part of the river which is—

(a) outside the limits within which the Gloucester Harbour Trustees have authority at the passing of this Act, or

(b) upstream of the relevant inward limit.

(3) Before making regulations under this section the Secretary of State shall consult the Gloucester Harbour Trustees.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred by subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may—

(a) prohibit vessels or craft of descriptions prescribed by the regulations from passing under the new bridge,

(b) prohibit vessels or craft of other descriptions so prescribed from passing under the new bridge without the consent of the Secretary of State, and

(c) provide for the granting of such consent subject to conditions which appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate.

(5) A person who contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of regulations under this section, or a condition imposed under such a provision, shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to a fine, or

(b) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.