Larger vehicles have been banned from using the Menai Suspension Bridge as part of new restrictions.

The Welsh Government announced on Friday afternoon that the bridge would only be open to cars with a 3-ton weight limit with immediate effect.

It follows investigation work carried out by engineers as part of the second phase of repair works.

They found some of the bolts on beams underneath the bridge were in need of replacement.

UK Highways A55, whose engineers have recommended the restrictions, says the bridge is safe for traffic to use with the new weight limit - but police will be on hand to ensure compliance.

Transport Minister, Ken Skates, said: "The urgent advice from structural engineers is that the Menai Suspension bridge should have a new weight limit. This is not a position we would want to be in, but we must listen to the advice of engineers."

"I know this will cause particular concern this evening with the arrival of Storm Amy and the potential impact this may have on the Britannia Bridge."

"There are arrangements in place for emergency vehicles to cross should the Britannia be closed due to high winds."

"We will continue to press UK Highways A55 for an early resolution to this situation which is of concern to me and I know many others."

A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed the 3-ton limit would remain in place until further investigation work has been carried out.

They added further updates would be made in the coming days, including what long-term impact it will have on the bridge repairs, which were due to be completed next year, coinciding with the bridge's 200th anniversary.

In May, Mr Skates was accused by opposition parties, who criticised "unacceptable delays" to the work, of leaving North Wales "to languish".

Reacting to Friday's announcement, the Plaid Cymru MS for Ynys Môn said further restrictions would "cause frustration locally".

Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "While safety must remain the top priority, we are now almost three years into the repair works and new problems are still being uncovered, which could cause further delays."

"Residents of Ynys Môn deserve clarity on how this latest development will affect the project’s timetable, and what steps the Welsh Government is taking to mitigate the negative impacts."

"I will be writing to the cabinet secretary for transport as a matter of urgency and will share any response with constituents as soon as possible."

Anglesey Council leader Gary Pritchard said the restrictions highlighted concerns raised "time after time" by local politicians about "the lack of resilience" to crossings to and from the mainland.

He added: "Although we understand the rationale for restricting traffic over the Menai Bridge, it is a concern for us as residents that this weakness was not highlighted during the previous inspections."