With the bridge stuck in position, passersby have spoken of the traffic chaos in the immediate area. Due to the incident, traffic has been brought to a standstill while travellers have been forced to turn back. One person said: "Tower Bridge is currently experiencing a technical fault and the bridge is stuck open.

       "Slight pause to my walk Nurses Active but it was cool to see the bridge open for the first time in my life!"

       The bridge is an essential route in central London and it is unclear what caused the malfunction.

       Last August, the bastules - the bridge's arms - were also pictured in the upright position thus blocking traffic.

       Commenting on the incident today, one person said: "Tower Bridge is stuck open."

       Another said: "Change of route on a stroll round London - Tower Bridge is stuck!"

       Over the weekend, Tower Bridge was seen with high water levels following the torrential rain in the capital.

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