The 10 most-bashed railway bridges in Britain have been revealed.
Network Rail said the bridges were hit by road vehicles at least 10 times in the year to the end of March.
Stonea Road bridge near Manea, Cambridgeshire, took first place, having been hit 33 times in 12 months.
It was followed by Lower Down’s Road bridge in Wimbledon, southwest London, with 18 strikes, and Harlaxton Road bridge in Grantham, Lincolnshire, with 17 strikes.
Bridges across Britain’s rail network were struck 1,833 times in 2021/22, according to Network Rail.
They cost the government-owned company nearly £12m in compensation payouts for delays.
The number of strikes rose 13% compared with the previous year, coinciding with an increase in traffic.
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‘Serious safety issues’
The company’s chairman Sir Peter Hendy said: “Bridge bashers cause serious safety issues on the transport network for both road and rail users.
“Every incident can delay tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect the bridge and repair any damage – creating a huge cost from public funds.
“During this very busy time of year for deliveries, we urge operators and drivers to properly plan their routes, know the height of their vehicles and be vigilant for road signs showing the height of bridges.
“We will report those who don’t to the traffic commissioners, and they risk losing their licences and livelihoods.
“Network Rail always looks to recover the entire repair and delay costs from the driver and the operator.”
Top 10 most-bashed bridges
The railway bridges struck the most in 2021/22 were:
1. Stonea Road, near Manea, Cambridgeshire – 33 strikes
2. Lower Down’s Road in Wimbledon, southwest London – 18 strikes
3. Harlaxton Road in Grantham, Lincolnshire – 17 strikes
4. Abbey Farm in Thetford, Norfolk – 15 strikes
5. Stuntney Road in Ely, Cambridgeshire – 12 strikes
6. Harefield Road bridge in West Ruislip, northwest London – 12 strikes
7. Station Road in Berkswell, West Midlands – 12 strikes
8. Station Road in Langley, Berkshire – 12 strikes
9. St John’s Street in Lichfield, Staffordshire – 11 strikes
10. Coddenham Road in Needham Market, Suffolk – 10 strikes
