"The bridge stands at 3.7 high and it just ... got a little bit tight I suppose it's safe to say."
Constable Deane said he hadn't decided whether to give the driver a ticket or let him off with a warning.
"First time here for him ... it was a little bit of a hindrance to people but otherwise we live and learn. Just unfortunate at this time of the day.
"Obviously taking heed of the signs that are on the bridge and also on the approaches to the bridge will be the advice."
The tanks were on their way to a client of Drainworld Wanganui.
Chris Mackay who's a manager at Drainworld said the driver was on his way to the client's house.
"He's been led the wrong way coming across the bridge.
"He's met the client. The client's done the right thing and given him a pilot vehicle to follow basically.
"Without thinking he's come across the bridge without remembering this truck's got a tall load."
Mackay was happy to see the situation resolved without serious incident.
"By the time I got here he had already got across the bridge. I know it's a bit of a traffic disruption but thankfully nothing was damaged and no one was hurt."