An unusual machine was spotted carrying out a safety inspection on the underside of the Sheppey Crossing bridge in Kent this morning (March 14), whilst the high-level structure was still being used by road traffic.

An ingenious machine known as a Bridge Inspection Platform allowed for the inspection to be carried out whilst part of the bridge was still in use by motorists.

The specialist machine featuring a lorry-mounted crane arm with extendable platform can be positioned closely underneath a bridge.

Footage shows a maintenance worker checking the structure of the Sheppey Crossing spanning over the Swale waterway, which opened in 2006 and connects the Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent.

A safety boat called 'Protector' was also stationed at the bottom of the bridge as an extra precaution.