The latest figures from Network Rail show that the ‘most-bashed bridge in Britain’ was hit every 2 weeks on average during the last 12 months.

Half a million minutes of passengers delays are caused each year by bridge strikes from an average of 5 strikes to bridges every day.

A new campaign has been launched by Network Rail with a new message ‘Lorries Can’t Limbo’ which is being shown at motorway service stations.

Drivers are being reminded to ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ before their journeys in the run-up to the busy Black Friday and Christmas period.

On the A5 in Hickley, Leicester, the Watling Street Bridge has the title of being Britains’s most-bashed bridge, with 25 incidents over the last 12 months.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail said: “We’ve done a lot of work with partners across the industry in recent years to tackle bridge strikes, and whilst it’s encouraging to see our work is paying off with numbers now on the decline, there’s a lot more to be done to cut the unnecessary delays, costs and safety risks they pose.

Hideo Takano, senior structures advisor at Highways England said: “Although bridge strikes are comparatively low for our roads, as part of the collective drive to reduce bridge strikes happening we work with other transport authorities as part of the Bridge Strike Prevention Group and welcome Network Rail’s new campaign.

“Bridges strikes can cause hours of disruption and although we re-open our roads as soon as possible we recognise the frustration delays can cause.

“Around two-thirds of bridge strikes on our roads are caused by vehicles carrying a load. So, to reduce the risk of this happening we urge all drivers to follow these simple steps; know your height, plan your route and secure your load.”

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive said:“There’s real headway being made and we’re seeing a drop in bridge strikes, but we must keep up this momentum to avoid these dangerous and costly incidents.

“You should ensure your drivers are doing their walkaround checks and noting the height of their vehicle every day.

“While DVSA can fall back on regulatory action to deal with bridge strikes, I’d prefer to see no incidents at all, with operators and drivers checking heights before every journey.”

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