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Bridge Strikes & the Potential Consequences
What is a bridge strike?
A bridge strike is when a vehicle (or even the load it is carrying) collides with a bridge. Usually, this occurs where roads flow under railway bridges. It is for this reason Network Rail have been very active in raising awareness of this growing problem through various publications and their ‘wise up size up’ campaign.
If you are a transport operator or driver and you are involved in a collision with a railway bridge Network Rail may notify this to the Traffic Commissioner. The Traffic Commissioner may call both the transport operator and driver to a Public Inquiry in order to determine if they were in any way at fault for the bridge strike.. The driver should also be aware they may be called to a hearing which could result in the driver being suspended from driving for a period of time.
If you are a transport operator or driver and you are involved in a collision with a railway bridge Network Rail may notify this to the Traffic Commissioner. The Traffic Commissioner may call both the transport operator and driver to a Public Inquiry in order to determine if they were in any way at fault for the bridge strike.. The driver should also be aware they may be called to a hearing which could result in the driver being suspended from driving for a period of time.
Consequences of bridge strikes
The obvious consequence that springs to mind is the significant risk posed to the driver or other occupants of the vehicle colliding with the bridge and the danger this can put other road users in.
But a bridge strike can also lead to significant delays to road and rail networks which can result in negative economic impacts for businesses affected by the delays, like Network Rail for example.
But a bridge strike can also lead to significant delays to road and rail networks which can result in negative economic impacts for businesses affected by the delays, like Network Rail for example.
How you can avoid a bridge strike
Most bridge strikes can be prevented by the operator taking practical steps to avoid a collision or by training drivers so they can take steps to ensure a collision is avoided. As a starting point, Traffic Commissioners urge drivers, transport managers and operators to make use of the guidance on avoiding bridge strikes.
This detailed guidance covers:
This detailed guidance covers:
- Your legal obligations in relation to the maximum height of your vehicle and reporting traffic collisions.
- Traffic signs indicating maximum permitted vehicle height
- Actions to take before the journey
- Actions to take during the journey
- Actions to take if a bridge strike occurs
- Consequences for passenger vehicle operators
In November 2019, we launched this innovative offering for clients seeking access to advice for an agreed annual fee.
This is an alternative to our standard retainer system and offers clients an opportunity to obtain advice where the cost is pre-determined for the whole year. This arrangement would suit clients who may from time to time need to seek legal advice but may hold off preferring a ‘wait and see’ approach.
In our experience, early intervention can reduce the risk of the situation escalating as we can give advice and guidance that nips regulatory issues in the bud before they develop into something far worse. We also strongly recommend our clients consider taking out legal expenses insurance to cover investigations and prosecutions brought by regulators.
DyneProtect© has teamed up with Butcher & Barlow solicitors to provide DyneProtect© clients access to a specialist team of corporate and commercial lawyers for up to 1 hours’ worth of free telephone advice/legal consultation.
Butcher & Barlow have a dedicated commercial and agricultural hub on Gadbrook Park in Northwich which provides advice and assistance to a host of business clients in specialist areas such as Corporate and Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Private Client and Agriculture.
If you have a corporate or commercial issue which Dyne Solicitors is unable to handle, then Butcher & Barlow’s Commercial team will certainly be able to step in and assist.
DyneProtect© has also negotiated price reductions on OLAT / Driver CPC courses run by training providers KP Legal Limited who are offering discounts to DyneProtect© clients on Operator Licensing Awareness / Compliance training (-20%) and Periodic Driver CPC training (-10%).
This is an alternative to our standard retainer system and offers clients an opportunity to obtain advice where the cost is pre-determined for the whole year. This arrangement would suit clients who may from time to time need to seek legal advice but may hold off preferring a ‘wait and see’ approach.
In our experience, early intervention can reduce the risk of the situation escalating as we can give advice and guidance that nips regulatory issues in the bud before they develop into something far worse. We also strongly recommend our clients consider taking out legal expenses insurance to cover investigations and prosecutions brought by regulators.
DyneProtect© has teamed up with Butcher & Barlow solicitors to provide DyneProtect© clients access to a specialist team of corporate and commercial lawyers for up to 1 hours’ worth of free telephone advice/legal consultation.
Butcher & Barlow have a dedicated commercial and agricultural hub on Gadbrook Park in Northwich which provides advice and assistance to a host of business clients in specialist areas such as Corporate and Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Private Client and Agriculture.
If you have a corporate or commercial issue which Dyne Solicitors is unable to handle, then Butcher & Barlow’s Commercial team will certainly be able to step in and assist.
DyneProtect© has also negotiated price reductions on OLAT / Driver CPC courses run by training providers KP Legal Limited who are offering discounts to DyneProtect© clients on Operator Licensing Awareness / Compliance training (-20%) and Periodic Driver CPC training (-10%).
