Time for a pat on the back for the nation’s truck drivers and hauliers. Possibly prompted by various industry awareness campaigns, the number of bridge strikes has hit its lowest level in five years. Figures released by the Traffic Commissioners show a 4% decrease between April 2023 and April 2024 – the number of bridge striking incidents dropping to 1,532.
Quite rightly, the reduction must be celebrated. But over 1,500 bridge strikes in a year is still a big number. More so when it’s estimated that the cost of sorting the aftermath of a strike is in the region of £13,000. Add to that the cost of disruption and delayed travel, both by road and by rail, every time there’s an incident, and the bill is a hefty one.
No doubt hauliers will be well aware that Network Rail can claim the full cost of a bridge strike from them. So, regular reminders to drivers make sense from both a financial and reputational perspective. A view that’s supported by the Traffic Commissioners, who recommend continued vigilance and awareness of bridge strikes by all involved in the industry.
You can find further information on how to avoid bridge strikes, including the chief causes, on Driver Hire’s website at https://www.driverhire.co.uk/resources/bridgestrikes