Humber Bridge defends path closures after tragic month
SPIKE IN DEATHS REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ACTION, SAYS BOARD
THE Humber Bridge Board has defended its controversial decision to close the bridge’s footpaths – saying the unprecedented spike in deaths in recent weeks was “unlike anything we have previously dealt with”.
On Saturday, April 3, the board announced an immediate and “indefinite” closure of the footpaths just hours after a sixth death at the bridge in just 31 days.
While the decision was derided by some, many others believe such a move is long overdue or simply does not go far enough.
On Monday, the Telegraph joined those calls for further and more permanent action to prevent yet more tragedy.
The Board has acknowledged that while its decision was not universally supported, it was necessary as the “most immediate and effective way to prevent further incidents” at the bridge.
A spokesman said this was the board’s “sole consideration when making the decision”. He said the measures already in place had been “largely effective” at preventing such incidents before March, but that the situation over the past month had been totally unprecedented.
But questions remain about how the bridge can safely reopen to pedestrians and cyclists as calls continue for more to be done.
The spokesman said addressing those questions is the next step towards establishing how the situation can be effectively managed once the footpaths reopen.
In a statement, the board spokesman said: “We understand closing the footways has been a controversial decision that has not attracted universal support, but we would like to reassure the public that it has been taken as an emergency response to the unprecedented and deeply troubling events at the Humber Bridge over recent weeks.
“It is no secret that there has been a spate of people – mostly young people from the local area – who have decided to end their lives at the bridge.
“Closing the footways is the most immediate and effective way to prevent further incidents of this nature and this was our sole consideration when making the decision.
“As well as protecting emotionally distressed individuals, the measure has been implemented to protect our staff and the public. When these tragic events occur, our staff are the first responders and have to deal with some extremely distressing and traumatic situations. We have a duty to minimise their exposure to such incidents to protect their mental health and wellbeing.” He said the huge spike in the number of deaths at the bridge in March meant the footpaths would remain closed to the general public for the time being. But the board is looking at ways to allow access to commuters who use the bridge to walk or cycle to work “as soon as possible”. The spokesman added: “The Humber Bridge Board currently spends a quarter of a million pounds each year on measures designed to prevent emotionally distressed individuals from ending their lives at the bridge. Until last month these measures have been largely effective. “However, the recent tragic events are unlike anything we have previously dealt with and we are working closely with Public Health, local MPs, local authorities, emergency services, the Samaritans, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and other stakeholders to fully understand them and assess the future risk. While this is ongoing, the footways must remain closed to the general public.
“We are, however, looking at reopening access to commuters as soon as possible, to minimise disruption to those who cycle or walk to work over the Humber Bridge, and we are considering a range of measures to ensure the situation can be effectively managed once the footways fully reopen.”
Closing the footways is the most immediate and effective way to prevent
further incidents.
Bridge Board spokesman