CCTV set up to stop items being thrown off bridge

Objects have been thrown into Pottery Lane car park from the Redheugh Bridge in Newcastle

A camera has been installed on a bridge in an effort to stop people throwing objects onto vehicles parked underneath.

Newcastle City Council said it had installed CCTV on the north side of the Redheugh Bridge, which carries traffic over the River Tyne.

The cameras have been installed while the bridge is closed to traffic to allow engineers to carry out inspections.

A spokesperson for the council said it had taken the opportunity to install the cameras to "improve safety and surveillance".

"This is a preventative measure where we have had previous reports of anti-social behaviour with people throwing items from the bridge, damaging cars in the car park below, which is incredibly dangerous," the spokesperson said.

"With the new CCTV in place, we will be able to take swift action if any further incidents occur."

Objects have previously been thrown from the bridge into the Potter Lane car park, next to the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

The Redheugh Bridge has been closed since 06:00 BST on Sunday, until 18:00, so engineers can inspect the structure and carry out essential repairs.

A council report published last year found the bridge is suffering from crumbling concrete and a blocked drain. It estimated repairing the damage could cost more than £1m.

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