London seems to be full of quirky by-laws which don’t seem very relevant in modern times, but like this one they are quite entertaining.
Apparently, one of the by-laws for the Port of London Authority states that anytime an arch of a Thames bridge in London is reduced in height, a bale of straw must be hung below it to warn shipping.
As the work is still continuing on Tower Bridge (the one that opens to allow tall ships through), this by-law has had to be enacted several times despite the fact that any ships tall enough to cause any risk would no doubt be in radio contact with the authority.
In this photo of Tower Bridge, if you look really carefully at the top of the bridge you can just about see said bale of straw hanging from it.
It does make me wonder – wouldn’t the straw bale falling off there actually be more dangerous than any possible remote chance of hitting the gantry hanging there?
More London Links:
Visitor attractions around Tower Bridge
London hotels
