The top two London bridges most crashed into by lorries have been identified based on new figures shared by Network Rail. Lorry drivers striking railway bridges have caused significant delays to train services, totaling over 100 days annually. In the year ending March, there were 1,532 reported bridge strikes in Britain, leading to disruptions and repair costs of approximately £20 million. The total time that services were suspended due to these incidents exceeded 100 days.
The Lower Downs Road bridge in Wimbledon was struck the third highest number of times compared to bridges across Britain, with a total of 17 strikes throughout 2023 and 2024. Coming in at number nine on the list was the Kenworthy Road Bridge in Homerton, which was struck 11 times during the same time period. However, the top spot was claimed by the Stuntney Road Bridge in Ely, Cambridgeshire, with 18 strikes in the 2023/24 period.
Despite these concerning figures, there has been a decrease in the overall number of lorry bridge strikes across Britain for two consecutive years. Previous tallies stood at 1,864 hits in 2021/22 and 1,588 in 2022/23.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s group safety and engineering director, emphasized the dangers posed by these strikes, stating that each incident can lead to serious safety issues for road and rail users. He expressed concern over the delays caused to tens of thousands of passengers, as well as the costs incurred for inspections and repairs. Frobisher highlighted the importance of proper route planning, awareness of vehicle height, and vigilance for road signs indicating bridge heights. Network Rail is prepared to take action against operators and drivers who fail to adhere to safety guidelines.
While progress has been made in reducing the number of bridge strikes, Frobisher noted that there is still more work to be done to prevent such incidents. The collaboration with transport partners has been instrumental in addressing this issue, but continued efforts are necessary to ensure the safety of road and rail users.
In conclusion, the top two London bridges most frequently crashed into by lorries serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety measures on the road. By raising awareness and promoting responsible driving practices, we can work towards minimizing the impact of bridge strikes and ensuring the safety of all commuters.
