Perhaps the best known feature of Southend’s open top operations was the low Pier bridge which required special operating rules. The height - 13' 3" signed - and restricted clearance are only too obvious in this shot of 311, PHJ950, about pass under, travelling west on September 1st 1978.

For a similar night time view click here.
The bridge itself was replaced during 2003 by a new structure with over 16' headroom, thus meaning that today’s more restricted open top service, run by Stephensons of Essex as a City Sightseeing franchise, no longer requires special rules and can even be operated by standard closed top deckers, as happened once during 2003's season.

Photo taken by Richard Delahoy, Friday 1 September 1978, Southend Pier