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A bridge strike too
Page 18
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Despite a series of safety campaigns bridge strikes have doubled. Now Network Rail is issuing new advice. Jennifer Ball reports.
THE NUMBER of bridge strikes in the UK has doubled over the past eight years to almost 2,000 a year, according to the latest figures from Network Rail.
The rail management firm is currently recording more than five incidents a day, of which 88% involve trucks or plant.
Network Rail has now teamed up with a number of special interest groups including the Freight Transport Association and the Health & Safety Executive to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of bridge bashing. Handbooks have been produced for transport managers and truck drivers featuring information on legal requirements, vehicle height checks and load security.
Transport Minister David Jamieson says: "Bridge strikes can cause serious disruption to both road and rail users as well as posing a danger to the travelling public and staff working on the railway.
"Drivers can ensure that they avoid these incidents through a series of simple checks on their vehicles and their route."
• Contact www.networkrail.co.uk