Bridge strike advice made available on TC website

After the number of strikes by HGVs on rail infrastructure soared a few years ago, STC Richard Turfitt wrote to all hauliers about the problem and reminded them of the consequences if they were reported to his office.

Companies whose drivers are involved in bridge strike incidents are normally called to a preliminary hearing at which they have an opportunity to show they did everything that could have been done to avoid it, including a regular training programme for drivers.

For serious transgressions, an operator can have its licence revoked.

On average, following a conviction a driver will receive five penalty points and £600 in fines.

The office of the traffic commissioner (OTC) said the number of incidents had now declined but many new operators had joined the industry and the issue was still serious.

In February, East Midlands Railway urged HGV drivers to know the height of their vehicles and not take any unnecessary risks, after 54 bridge strikes occurred along its network in one year.

And just week, Wandsworth Council warned drivers using Upper Richmond Road at East Putney Station there was a closure in place and delays should be expected after a vehicle struck a bridge.

In a statement from the OTC, it said: “Bridge strikes are avoidable, and their cost is huge, both in monetary and safety terms.

“Commercial vehicle operators and drivers have a duty to take all practical steps to ensure that vehicles avoid colliding with infrastructure. This starts at the very basics with adequate training on risk assessment.

“The senior commissioner suggests some control measures which operators and drivers can take, including the information which should be given to those planning or altering a route. Network Rail also publishes useful good practice guides.

“Operators and drivers who fail to take appropriate measures can find themselves subject to significant regulatory action.”