Turn off engines at bridge, pupils urge

The new message to cut engines whilst waiting is read out when the town bridge lifts up

A safety message broadcast at a town's lifting bridge has been updated to urge drivers to turn off their engines while they wait.

Pupils at Holy Trinity School in Weymouth approached the town's mayor to change the announcement and signs at Town Bridge to help improve air quality.

The primary school said the children came up with the idea during a climate change-themed week.

The message is broadcast when the bridge lifts - temporarily splitting the road in two.

Mayor of Weymouth, Councillor Jon Orrell, said: "I was delighted to help.

"We hope drivers will listen to the message and take action for the benefit of the environment in this picturesque part of our seaside town.

"Congratulations to the children at Holy Trinity."

The bridge was officially opened on 4 July 1930 by HRH Duke of York who later became King George VI.

It lifts every two hours from 08:00 - 18:00 in the winter, and to 21:00 in the summer, for vessels to pass from the seaside town's inner harbour.