NO TIME TO STOP AND READ

The eastern end of the swing bridge

RB

A conglomeration of notices.

By Richard Beckett

Photo 1 This photo was taken in 1962, and is a view showing the signs which greeted motorists travelling from the Seaford direction. The two large round signs showing the figure 10 did not define whether that was the permissible speed or weight when in actual fact it actually denoted a speed restriction of 10 mph.

Before the speed restriction was introduced, these two posts originally carried gas lamps for illuminating the roadway. They can now be found in the Maritime Museum restored to their former glory carrying an old-type top.

Photo 2 is a later view and shows an amended speed restriction sign which was easily seen and understood.

The large diamond-shaped plate and the one underneath both gave details of the weights of vehicles permitted to cross the bridge, but the words were so small that by the time drivers had noticed them, it was too late to stop and turn back even if the vehicle was too heavy.

Photo 3 & 4 show the wording which was exhibited on the Diamond & Oblong plate and no doubt many large vehicles crossed the bridge with weights in excess of those permitted.

Photo 4 is the notice board which was exhibited when casual labour was required to unload the small freighters arriving at the port carrying potatoes and similar cargo.