SOUTHAMPTON City Council is installing iron bollards on a city bridge to stop vehicles mounting the kerb and resting on the footways.

But civic chiefs have denied the bollards, on Northam Bridge, are related to any perceived terrorism threat.

Instead, the council say intervention is part of plans to prevent damage to the structure beneath the footways.

Civic chiefs have admitted parking on the footway is "not frequent".

But they added that safety inspectors had warned that even a single stray heavy goods vehicle could cause structural damage.

They say the design of the bollards is in keeping with the age of the bridge and the appearance of the adjoining parapet and lamp columns.

Access for emergency vehicles has also been considered, according to civic chiefs, and they say there is "still space" for vehicles to be manoeuvred to let them pass.

The work is being carried out by maintenance contractor Mildren Construction Ltd.

In a post on Facebook, the council added: "We are committed to maintaining a safe stock of all council bridges and structures across the city and investing in all our structures.

"The new white bollards will provide an easily identifiable barrier for users of the carriageway and offer additional reassurance and protection for footway users. The work is due to be completed during July."

This structural protection work is separate to the council’s investment in major transport improvements along key route corridors, of which Northam Bridge is a part.