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Open Tower Bridge: traffic jam on both sides of the Thames
Photo: Tony Hicks / AP
Due to a technical defect, the famous Tower Bridge in London could not be closed on Monday afternoon.
"Tower Bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a technical error," said the police on Twitter.
She called for people to avoid the area in the center of the British capital.
The flow of traffic over the Thames was thus interrupted, traffic quickly jammed on both sides of the bank, as reported by the British broadcaster ITV, among others.
The City of London Corporation responsible for the bridge said it was working to fix the problem as soon as possible.
The Tower Bridge usually opens around 800 times a year - i.e. a good twice a day - for ships.
They must apply for opening at least 24 hours in advance in writing.
wit / dpa / AP