Drivers are racing through red warning lights at a £145 million lifting bridge to avoid delays, posing serious safety risks according to council chiefs. The dangerous behaviour has been recorded more than 100 times in just five months at Suffolk's landmark Gull Wing Bridge.
The Gull Wing Bridge is the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world and was officially opened last year by the Princess Royal. It spans Lake Lothing in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and is lifted by hydraulic cylinders to allow boats through.
Red light breaches recorded
However, some drivers have been racing through red warning lights which signal that gates will be imminently lowered and the bridge is about to be raised. Suffolk County Council said 112 breaches of the red safety lights were recorded between March and July.
In one incident, a van collided with the barrier leaving it inoperable and needing urgent repairs to prevent disruption to road and marine traffic. The council said it was pursuing the cost of the repairs from the company that owned the van.
Tougher measures considered
The authority said no legal action for infringements has yet been issued, but bosses are considering introducing tougher measures that could include installing ANPR cameras. Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Operational Highways, said: "Any red traffic warning light is there for a reason and to gamble on racing through them just to avoid a few minutes wait is highly irresponsible."
Ben Cook, head of contract management and commissioning for Suffolk County Council, said: "While the numbers of red-light breaches remain relatively low, any instance of poor driver behaviour poses a risk to both safety and bridge operation." The bridge spans 345 metres in total and has a main bascule span that is 39.5 metres long.
Bridge specifications
When raised it can accommodate marine vessels up to 32 metres wide.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
