'Destination Zero Bridge Strikes' is a national campaign being launched by Road Skills Online at the Road Transport Expo (RTX) in June.
The training specialist revealed that between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2023, there were 5,029 bridge strikes reported by National Rail, whilst 2021 saw the Metropolitan Police prosecute 14 drivers for hitting bridges.
Many of these cases resulted in the operator being called to a public inquiry.
In every case a preliminary hearing was held to give the operator a chance to demonstrate they had done everything in their power to prevent a bridge strike.
Evidence of this can include a detailed and regular training programme for drivers.
If convicted, the average result was five penalty points and fines totalling £600.
Drivers were also referred to the traffic commissioner for a conduct hearing. For some, this ended in having their vocational licence revoked for anywhere from two to nine months.
With serious impacts for businesses, reputationally, financially and operationally, bridge strikes should be avoided at all costs, warned Road Skills Online.
The Destination Zero Bridge Strikes campaign is designed to support operators to ensure they avoid bridge strike incidents and Road Skills Online is encouraging visitors to find out more during their time at RTX.
"We‘ll be delighted to welcome you to our stand, R2, for a chat and to introduce you to the national campaign, ‘Destination Zero Bridge Strikes’," said Road Skills Online managing director David Somers.
"Our Free DVSA-recognised and CPD Standards Office-accredited e-learning toolbox talk is available to help you and your drivers avoid the calamity of a Bridge Strike, a hot topic with the Traffic Commissioners.
RTX 2024 takes place from 4-6 June at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. It is completely free to attend for visitors, so why not book your place today?!
