Preventing bridge strikes: Essential actions for businesses with a fleet

Bridge strikes are a significant and costly issue. They occur when a vehicle, typically a heavy goods vehicle, bus or coach, collides with the bridge. Not only do these incidents cause damage to infrastructure, but they also have an impact in disrupting traffic, delaying rail journeys, carry a risk of regulatory action and a large financial risk for operators.

On 25 October 2024, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner republished the bridge strike guidance first issued in a letter to all operators in September 2020 from Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt. Logic follows that this may indicate Traffic Commissioners are continuing to see a concerning number of bridge strikes occurring on our roads.

We have highlighted some key actions that operators can take to prevent these incidents and ensure the safety of their vehicles, drivers and the general public.

Vehicle height

A fundamental element in preventing bridge strikes is ensuring that operators and their drivers are fully aware of the vehicle’s dimensions, in particular its height. The height will of course depend on the load, container size and/or type of vehicle. Operators should:

• Record the exact height of each vehicle
• Update vehicle details regularly in case of any changes
• Ensure that drivers are aware of the height of their vehicle before beginning their journey
• Ensure any related technology in the cab, for example, satellite navigation, also reflect the correct height
• Have height measurement gauges available
• Ensure drivers have access to height conversion charts.

Route planning

Route planning is essential in avoiding bridge strikes so that any routes with low bridges are identified and avoided. Operators should:

• Utilise specialist route planning software
• Cross check any address information with available bridge height information
• Instruct drivers to reroute if necessary
• Ensure that drivers know who to contact when and if there are any issues with their route.

Driver training and awareness

Drivers are the ‘front line’ for operators and will be directly involved in bridge strike prevention. It is important drivers understand the risks of bridge strikes and how to avoid them. Training should cover:

• Height awareness: drivers should know the height of their vehicle and be conscious of potential bridge clearance issues.
• Road signs: Drivers should be educated in recognising signs indicating low bridge clearances or other potential hazards.
• Bridge strike procedures: In the event of a bridge strike or emergency actions if they find themselves approaching a low bridge. Not forgetting the importance of stopping in time and not trying to ‘squeeze under’.

Height monitoring systems

As technology in the industry increases, common technological solutions may play a significant role in preventing bridge strikes. Installing height monitoring systems can provide real time warnings to drivers if a vehicle is due to exceed a designated height clearance. It may be deemed as necessary or complimentary to your procedures already in place. These systems:

• Reduce human error
• Provide an additional layer of protection to an operator
• May be particularly useful in areas where signage is unclear.

Walkaround checks

Before starting a journey, it is important that a driver knows the height of their vehicle and load. Operators should consider whether:

• Defect reports need to be amended to include any additional checks, for example, are technology monitoring systems working, is the satellite navigation height set correctly?
• Conduct regular gate checks.

Have a clear bridge strike procedure

In the worst-case scenario where a bridge strike has occurred, it is necessary to have a clear and practical procedure. When people are in stressful situations, having a clear and well-structured procedure helps reduce the opportunity for people to stray from it or make errors in judgement. This includes:

• Drivers being sufficiently trained to report to who and how.
• Ensuring that there can be clear communication channels between the driver, transport manager, operator, relevant authorities and insurer.
• Include a post incident review as a matter of course. This will allow for the root cause to be assessed and allow an operator to implement any corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Notify the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. The Traffic Commissioner will be particularly interested in understanding the root cause and corrective actions put in place.

The Birketts’ view

Bridge strikes can be mitigated with careful planning, effective communication and by creating a positive safety culture. By ensuring the key actions above are put in place, an operator can greatly reduce the risk of a bridge strike occurring.

You can find the Office of the Traffic Commissioner’s publication.

Birketts’ transport regulatory specialists are well positioned to provide expert advice and representation. Should you need assistance with any operator licence concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Charlotte Hunt or Matthew Gowen.