A new campaign, Destination Zero – Bridge Strikes, is bringing together stakeholders from across the road transport sector to tackle one of the UK’s most avoidable yet costly and disruptive road safety issues.
Each year, approximately 1,600 bridge strikes occur on the UK’s road network, leading to serious safety concerns, major delays and significant financial consequences. Without intervention, an estimated 24,000 additional bridge strikes could take place over the next 15 years.
Destination Zero aims to drastically reduce these incidents by focusing on awareness, education and the sharing of best practice. Rather than relying solely on regulation, the campaign encourages meaningful engagement across the industry to foster long-term behavioural change.
Over the past 15 years, a 10% reduction in bridge strikes involving articulated vehicles has been recorded, progress that is likely influenced by structured training, including Driver CPC and campaigns that have raised the profile of vehicle height awareness among professional drivers. However, incidents involving non-articulated vehicles, particularly vans fitted with roof-mounted systems, are on the rise, highlighting an emerging area of concern.
While technologies such as in-cab alerts and infrastructure sensors offer valuable support, experts agree that they cannot replace the critical role of driver awareness and judgement. With limited scope for further infrastructure changes, driver-focused education remains the most effective preventive tool.
Destination Zero distinguishes itself by promoting education over enforcement. The campaign has developed free toolbox talks and other resources to support operators in delivering practical awareness sessions to drivers and teams across the sector.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has publicly endorsed the campaign, promoting its materials and key messages across its networks. While the RHA is not leading the initiative, it recognises the value of a collaborative, sector-wide response to reduce avoidable incidents and support improved safety outcomes.
Bridge strikes are often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, they are not typically the result of infrastructure issues, with less than 1% due to changes to roads or signage. Nor are they limited to temporary or agency drivers. These are largely preventable events, often stemming from routine oversights or complacency.
Light-touch interventions, such as reinforcing vehicle height checks, reviewing route planning habits, or making small adjustments to daily routines, can have a significant impact. Campaigns like Destination Zero play a key role in encouraging these changes at scale.
Reducing collisions on the road network benefits not only operators but also the wider public. Initiatives that foster practical solutions and open discussion rather than relying on punitive measures are essential in driving long-term progress.