Perhaps this is the wording that we should be seeing on bridges and low structures these days, as more and more drivers of HGV’s and PCV’s failing to respond to the current warnings of ‘Low Bridge’, flashing lights and illuminated signs.
We have seen the huge amount of time and effort that is spent by people such as Network Rail to develop training, notifications, emails etc. to engage with the Transport Industry on this very topic with the message of “Size up, Wise up”, but from recent events it would appear to be getting worse not better.
30 per week
In 2023 – 24, Rail Advent reports that there were 1532 bridge strikes- that’s equivalent to 30 per week.
On the 21st July 2025, a Double Decker bus hit a bridge at Barton Lane, Eccles resulting in 17 casualties, 3 with serious injuries. This vehicle was apparently fitted with Low Bridge Technology that was apparently working.
Offences and outcomes
We often talk about the impact to your O licence, but the list of offences and potential outcomes following a bridge strike is large and extends far wider than your Operators Licence. It is wide ranging and has many implications for those working within the transport operation – from driver through to supervisor and transport manager, right up to, and including, the directors. Consequences can include any penalty, from points on their driving licence and a fine, through to a full criminal record and a custodial sentence.
For anyone in any doubt of the sorts of ultimate penalties, we are currently aware of one major company facing a corporate manslaughter charge as a result of a bridge strike due to previous instances of poor performance not having been correctly managed, with training and disciplinary action not taken by the company. This builds a picture of a company that had numerous opportunities to take action to prevent future events, but failed to do so, which, in this case, had fatal consequences.
Businesses need to understand, at the highest levels, that there is appetite within the judicial system to prosecute directors who fail in their duties. It is not a case of simply hanging a driver or transport manager out to dry. If your businesses investigation does not identify all root cause and does not address all the root causes, it is ineffective and the company and its directors could be found to be at fault.
Drivers’ Walkaround checks
This old chestnut again, but a good driver walkaround should be checking every item that is needed on the vehicle. This should include DVS equipment, low bridge technology, cameras and sensors, height indicator, etc. If the driver finds an issue with any of the equipment, they should report it as per a robust defect management system, as it is all part of a package to keep everyone safe.
6 P’s
Yes, the old “Proper Planning Prevent Particularly Poor Performance” has more meaning now than ever before. Make sure the route planned is suitable, and those involved in route planning are properly trained to make the right considerations, is key.
However, your management systems should go further than this. It should include end of shift debriefs to understand what went well, what didn’t and what could be improved. Additionally, it should include whether the driver took their breaks correctly, did they tip on break, did they follow the planned route, etc.
A recent study with a client (June 2025) showed that 46% of all drivers were tipping on break at least once a week. Also, it was identified that 18% of drivers were not following the planned route, instead “taking a better route than the one planned”, and this had led to Bridge Strikes, damage caused by scraping through narrow access roads and bridges to name but a few issues.
A good debrief, along with regular internal auditing systems, would pick these issues up early and allow corrections and action before they become the Culture of the business.
An Ongoing Focus
Bridge strike avoidance should form part of your day-to-day processes and be a continual focus for the business – don’t assume the job is done. Training a driver once does not cut it. Bridge strike avoidance requires more than a short-term campaign or training course. Regular training and monitoring, along with policy and procedure which continuously accounts for low bridges is key to preventing bridge strikes.
The scale of the issue
In July 2025 our Managing Director, Andy Miles, spent an afternoon with the Metropolitan Police Commercial Vehicle Unit. He found it illuminating the number of issues relating to bridge strikes in the capital city alone, as well as the attitude in relation to these that was presented by not just the trucking industry, but also those in the passenger transport sector.
There appears to be far too many occasions where organisations throw their arms in the air and say “What can we do about it? There aren’t enough drivers and what if they leave?”. Perhaps the real question to ask is “What if they stay and hit a bridge and kill someone or leave someone with life changing injuries?”
Conclusion
In our experience these issues are always solved from the top down.
If the Boards stance is ‘We do it right every time’ that will cascade down through the organisation. With the correct message continuously communicated, supported by well-managed policy, it will permeate every level of the business.
On the other hand, where the Boards attitude is ‘Profit before anything else’, we see businesses where corners are cut at every opportunity, training is poor, the good drivers leave, and the business ends up with an ever-decreasing quality of staff.
Everyone in any organisation with transport operations should look at themselves and ask which type are they? Preferably before it is too late.
If you want to discuss how your business can promote the right culture to avoid bridge strikes, as well as what management systems could be in place to strengthen the operation and reduce your risk, contact us.