THE laws governing the use of the Sheppey crossing are being promoted to motorists ahead of the new bridge's opening.

The rules surrounding the crossing are similar to those on motorways.

PC Warren Jarvis, who has been working as a liaison officer with Carillion, the company that built the bridge, said: "It is important that everyone is aware of the laws in place as they have been put into action to protect people’s safety.

"Those who are found breaching the regulations will be dealt with appropriately by police.

"This is a new road and it will take motorists time to get used to it. The speed limit on the road is set at 70 mph.

"The police will be monitoring the area, performing regular road safety checks to promote the safety of both motorists using the bridge and local people."

Permitted on the bridge:

- Motorised vehicles

Not permitted on the bridge:

- Pedestrians
- Horses (including horse-drawn carriages)
- Animals
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles under 50cc