A recent serious bridge‑strike involving Carey London highlights the alarming consequences of poor route planning and safety oversight. Following an incident in which a vehicle struck a bridge, the firm’s operator licence was halved and the driver suspended for two months after the Traffic Commissioner ruled the company had not done enough to prevent the strike
Bridge strikes remain disturbingly common – with 1,532 reported bridge strikes between 1st April 2023, and 31st March 2024 – and the repercussions can be severe: not only are there safety risks, significant repair costs, reputational harm and large fines, but operator licences can also be permanently curtailed.
The Traffic Commissioner’s inquiry placed responsibility on both driver and operator, noting the need for companies to provide commercial‑grade sat navs and enforce route planning policies. Operators are expected to train drivers thoroughly, reinforce checks on vehicle dimensions, use current digital maps, and establish robust sat nav usage protocols. Failure to meet these standards can lead to public inquiry and reduction or revocation of an O‑licence .
Lloyd Morgan Group: Training to prevent licence‑limiting incidents
At Lloyd Morgan, we take bridge‑strike risk seriously. Our Understanding & Preventing Bridge Strikes driver course has been developed to tackle this growing challenge. The half‑day, interactive online training educates drivers and fleet managers in key areas including:
- Causes and frequency of strikes
- Collision hotspots and bridge types
- Legal framework and TC expectations
- Route‑planning strategies and sat nav usage
- Risk assessment and incident reporting
- Real‑world case studies and statistics
Delivered by experienced trainers, the course culminates in a certificate of attendance – essential evidence of due diligence should your company face a public inquiry.
We delivered this course to major UK operators, including Greggs PLC, earning praise for its practicality:
“An excellent online training course … extremely valuable knowledge and insights … practical … provided us with valuable resources.” - Greggs PLC
Why proactive training matters
Protect your O‑Licence: demonstrate to the Traffic Commissioner that you’ve trained drivers in safe driving practices and risk awareness.
- Cut costs and delay: Avoid damage repair costs, recovery charges and Network Rail fines.
- Safeguard reputation: Prevent incidents that could close lines or endanger the public.
Secure your licence and reputation
Don’t wait for an incident to expose gaps in your compliance. Ensure your team is equipped to reduce bridge‑strike risk — and protect your operation from costly enforcement.
Upcoming available sessions:
- Online half‑day course (morning or afternoon)
- Fully flexible delivery to suit your operational needs
Book online now or contact our team on 01543 897505 or email info@lloydmorgangroup.co.uk.
