NR: bridge bash stupidity must end

Network Rail has repeated its calls for an end to the “unnecessary disruption” caused by lorry drivers who strike railway bridges because they are unaware of the height of their vehicles.

The plea follows four such incidents that all occurred on January 31, causing hours of delays to motorists and train services in Cumbria, West London and the West Midlands.

NR experiences approximately 1,800 ‘bridge bash’ instances every year. On average, each result in two hours of delays while examinations or emergency repairs are completed ( RAIL 842). Each incident also costs NR an average of £13,500 in repair bills and Schedule 8 payments - which it must pay to compensate operators.

With the annual number of incidents remaining broadly unchanged since 2000, NR launched a new media campaign in October to raise awareness among lorry drivers and to encourage them to choose roads accordingly.

Mark Killick, chief operating officer for NR’s London North Western Route, said: “There’s no excuse for this. Lorry drivers should know their vehicle’s height and width - not guess and hope for the best.

“Despite being very clearly marked, these bridges were driven into by irresponsible drivers causing unnecessary disruption to railway and road users. We will be doing all we can to reclaim the costs we incurred from the haulage companies responsible.”