‘Wise up and size up’ is the call from Network rRail after the top bridge strikes are revealed.

Network Rail is reminding drivers and fleet operators to understand their vehicle size and the vulnerability of bridges.

Number one

The Stonea Road bridge on the B1098 is the most bashed bridge in Britain. It was now struck 33 times in the year ending March 2022.

Disruption caused by collisions with the Cambridgeshire bridge amounted to £10,526 in unnecessary train delay and cancellation costs. On top of that is the repairs to the bridge and the vehicles involved. You could also factor in the cost of delays to other road users.

Next on the list include Lower Downs Road in Wimbledon, South-West London, and Harlaxton Road bridge, Lincolnshire – struck 18 and 17 times respectively.

Film focus

The latest figures come as Network Rail launches a new animated film. This is part of its ongoing ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign, aimed particularly at lorry drivers, haulage operators and high van drivers. However, it is important all drivers are aware of the restrictions, for their own care and understanding of the potential difficulties for drivers of large vehicles.  Taking better care by knowing the size of vehicles and choosing suitable routes beforehand is key to successful journeys.

The animation is designed to warn HGV drivers that life is not like the cartoons. Taking a moment to think before taking a risk when approaching low bridges is all it takes.

Network Rail works with a number of railway industry partners to tackle bridge strikes. These  include National Highways, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and hauliers.

Rising traffic levels

While incidents had reduced in recent years, they are steadily increasing again. This coincides with an estimated increase in traffic volume on Britain’s roads.

Overall, provisional estimates show motor vehicles travelled 318.6 billion vehicle miles in Great Britain from April 2021 to March 2022. This marks a 29.7% increase compared to the year ending March 2021.

Lorry traffic, in particular, increased by 10.1% to 17.8 billion vehicle miles.

Bashers

Sir Peter Hendy, chair of Network Rail says  “bridge bashers cause serious safety issues”.

“Every incident can delay tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect the bridge and repair any damage – creating a huge cost from public funds.”

The festive season represents and very busy time for deliveries but also for rail transport. This makes it an even more pressing issue. Network is backing up the seriousness of the issue with the statement that they will “report those who don’t [take due care] to the Traffic Commissioners”. These drivers risk “losing their licenses and livelihoods”.

“Network Rail always looks to recover the entire repair and delay costs from the driver and the operator.”

E,E,E,E

Network Rail’s has developed the 4E’s initiative – education, engineering, enablement and enforcement. This aims to ensure haulage companies and their drivers are provided with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid striking bridges.

As part of this ongoing initiative, Network Rail has a team of bridge strike ‘champions’. They cover each route across Britain, raising awareness of the issue, visiting companies and leading the management of bridge strike risk locally.

Most struck railway bridges in Britain 2021/22

  1. Stonea Road, Stonea, Cambridgeshire 33 strikes
  2. Lower Down’s Road, Wimbledon, London 18 strikes
  3. Harlaxton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire 17 strikes
  4. Abbey Farm, Thetford, Norfolk 15 strikes
  5. Stuntney Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire 12 strikes
  6. Harefield Road, Brakespeare Road South, West Ruislip, London 12 strikes
  7. Station Road B4105, Berkswell, Solihull 12 strikes
  8. Station Road, Langley, Berkshire12 strikes
  9. St John’s Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire 11 strikes
  10. Coddenham Road, Needham Market, Suffolk 10 strikes

Total bridge strikes in the last 5 years

Year 2017/18 – 2,039 strikes

Year 2018/19 – 1,926 strikes

Year 2019/20 – 1,720 strikes

Year 2020/21 – 1,624 strikes

Year 2021/22 – 1,833 strikes