Bus operator looks to install low-bridge alarms for drivers
WARNING devices could be installed on double-decker buses to alert drivers they are approaching low bridges.
The move comes after a double decker bus, operated by First West of England, was left badly damaged when the driver got it wedged under the railway bridge at Nailsea and Backwell station on July 21.
The bus, which only went into service earlier this year and cost £350,000, sustained severe damage to its top deck. No one was on the bus at the time of the incident.
The driver, who was left shaken but unhurt, is understood to have been heading back to the depot at Lawrence Weston after finishing his route in North Somerset.
An investigation was launched by First West of England into the cause of the accident and the operator has confirmed it is working with technology suppliers to install an audible warning to alert drivers they are approaching a low bridge.
Last Thursday, a privately chartered bus saw its roof ripped off after its driver crashed into a bridge in Frogmore Street, Bristol, causing traffic chaos in the city centre.
A spokesman for First West of England said the accident at Backwell was an ‘isolated’ incident and added: “Last week’s incident in central Bristol, which did not involve First, has brought further attention to this issue.
“We therefore take the issue of low bridges very seriously and do everything we can to minimise the evident risks of one of our vehicles going under a structure that is too low to be passable.”
The spokesman added that First had used the accident at Nailsea to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers presented by low bridges.
They added: “We are also working with technology suppliers to come up with an audible automatic warning device in cabs to warn drivers of approaching low bridges.”