Truckers to be targeted in low bridge campaign
A NEW safety campaign by Network Rail aims to deter HGV drivers from taking risks with low-level bridges.
The initiative comes as pressure mounts for action to be taken on the A5 railway bridge in Hinckley which has been struck 67 times in the last eight years and 16 times in the last 12 months.
While discussions continue on a long-term solution it is hoped the national campaign will have an impact on raising awareness.
Each time a bridge is hit the safety of travellers is put at risk, traffic chaos ensues and the taxpayer takes a financial knock thanks to the compensation Network Rail has to pay train operators for the disruption.
Joe Cookson, public affairs manager from Network Rail, said: “These implications are something which we both acknowledge and do a significant amount of work in order to tackle.
“As a result we are currently planning a national campaign, launching in mid-October, which is hoped will raise awareness of the issue and lead to better recording of vehicle heights and route planning.
“The campaign will be centred on the four E’s - education, engineering, enablement and enforcement.
“It will focus on raising awareness amongst drivers, transport operators and other stakeholders, and on improving traffic signs, warning systems and road markings as well as removing driver distractions.”
Mr Cookson said Network Rail was actively working with Highways England, which is responsible for the road, to deliver effective prevention measures.
Suggestions have included overhead gantries with dangling ‘warning’ strips, which would require approval from Highways England or an electronic flashing warning sign, which again would need the say-so of Highways bosses.
According to Mr Cookson, the frequency with which the A5 bridge is hit, consequent disruption to motorists, residents, businesses and the rail network, along with calls to take action, has prompted a review into electronic signage.
One had been in use but was removed after failing into disrepair.
Highways England are aware of the challenges presented by the low bridge at Hinckley, and while all the statutory signs are in place on the approach to the bridge, it remains up to the drivers to adhere to them.
Highways England Safety improvements team leader, Emma Timson, said: “Safety is our top imperative and we already have signs in place to warn drivers of the height restrictions at the location of the railway bridge in Hinckley.
“However, we are aware of the difficulties people have been having and we are looking at ways in which we can improve the information we are giving to drivers at this location.”
Of the 67 hits on the bridge some 11 took place during the 2015-16 financial year and 16 strikes have happened in this calendar year to date.
The latest incident happened on Saturday August 26 when the A5 was closed for five hours from just before midnight.