"A crowd of pedestrians on the roadway of the bridge creates a far greater loading than normal car traffic,” said bridge master John Mitchell. “The bridge is safe for its normal use but it is old and must be treated with respect. The structure is checked and maintained constantly, and we take advice from leading engineering consultants. They have advised us that, if certain loadings conditions on the bridge are likely to be exceeded, it is at risk.”

Structural fears were first raised after a concert last year when the crowds started to get out of control and encroach onto the road. The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust consulted Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and police and concluded that the best way to guarantee the safety of the public and the bridge was to close the bridge at times of most risk.

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