A LORRY driver found it was a bridge too far when his long load became stuck in a West Dorset village.

He was driving the truck with Belgian number plates and a trailer carrying farm machinery down Lee Lane, Bradpole, when he became wedged on the bridge.

The road was blocked for nearly four hours as police were called and the trailer and cab were separated so he could reverse off the bridge.

Ron Coatsworth, who is a parish, town and county councillor, said that satnav systems are sometimes to blame for sending lorries and coaches down the single carriageway lane.

He said: “The lorry shouldn’t have been down there. We put a sign directing heavy vehicles away as there is a restriction on weight and size.

“Usually people are stuck by the gps or satnav which takes them down there.”

Coun Coatsworth said the authorities had been asked to contact satnav companies to ensure that drivers of big vehicles were not sent down there.

The lorry drove down the single track Lee Lane, off East Road, before becoming stuck on the zig-zag shaped bridge over the river Asker.

Resident Julian Stone caught the chaos on camera while other villagers called the police and watched as the driver got out to see if he could get across.

Barry Smith, whose garden backs on to the river and bridge, said: “I heard it before I saw it.

“The driver thought he could get across but it was a bridge too far.

“He had to disconnect the trailer. He was well and truly stuck. He was there for a few hours.”

Mr Smith added: “We’ve had problems before although tractors seem to get over no problem.

“It’s the biggest vehicle I’ve seen stuck there.

“It’s amazing.”

Mr Stone said that he spoke to the driver 50 yards up the lane of the bridge but the man got out and had a look before trying to get through.

He said: “I’ve seen some big juggernauts down there who have had to reverse back.

“There seems to be one a month.”