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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Lauren Davidson & Graeme Murray

Infamous bridge destroys multiple vehicles as drivers don't realise how low it is

An infamous 'van eater' bridge destroys multiple vehicles as drivers don't realise how low it is.

Those in high-sided vehicles misjudge how low the low the overhead crossing is, sparking a serious of - what people have described as - "gunshots" and "almighty bangs" for those living nearby.

The latest incident happened on Friday when a hired van crashed into the structure.

But people living near the crossing said it was a regular occurrence, and in December another got stuck underneath sparking the closure of the street to vehicles and pedestrians.

GrimsbyLive reports there had been numerous occasions where cars, vans and HGVs have collided with the bridge, after drivers do not notice height restrictions.

The structure is often referred to as the "van eater" bridge (Donna Clifford / Grimsby Live)

One of the signs on the underpass reads: "Very low bridge - check headroom," while another gives the height as 2.4 metres, or 7ft 9in.

Ewelina Milewska said: "I've seen it many times. I'm surprised that people aren't looking out for the information here on the height restriction.

"There are so many accidents here because of how quickly [the vehicles] are going.

"Reading and looking at the signs is the most important thing, and people don't look. When they realise there's a problem, why don't they reverse back?

"I've lived here for three years and every day I see something, cars speeding and accidents, especially at school time when there are kids walking here. It's very dangerous."

One driver realised his vehicle wouldn't fit through and was forced to reverse out of the street (Donna Clifford / Grimsby Live)

Another resident in the area Amy Brazier said: "It seems to happen quite a lot. We hear a big bang and come out like everyone else does to have a look.

"Sometimes it's really loud, it sounds like a gunshot, but obviously we know that it's [the bridge].

"One time it was a big food van and it was carrying loads of meat, and everyone was looting it, carrying these big pieces of meat. We do always hear it, it happens more than you would think.

"I think the drivers don't realise how low it is, but equally we'll see people in vans and things getting out and checking it when they've clearly got loads of room.

"Then you'll get the people just going straight under it that clearly can't fit. I just don't think they realise how low it is."

Luke Dobbs has seen motorists weighing up if they can get under before going full force and getting stuck.

He said a driver had put his foot down and and ripped the back end of the vehicle off causing a loud bang which can be heard with all the windows and doors shut.

Luke said: "I think what they need to do is put more signs further up the road. I've lived here for a year and it's happened about four or five times."

Tammy Vincent said: "The Council needs to do something about it, but what would they actually be able to do about it?

The driver of the transporter soon realised his mistake (Donna Clifford / Grimsby Live)

"It's not been just the once, it happens quite a lot. I've been here for three years and it's just a regular occurrence.

"But is it going to happen where someone actually gets hurt before long and then they do something about it?"

A transporter carrying a Citroen Berlingo car was also forced to reverse out of the street when the driver realised the vehicle would not fit underneath which residents said "happens every day".

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: "In 2020, the council introduced additional signage to Wintringham Road Bridge with the aim to improve driver awareness on the height restrictions of the bridge.

“There are also parking restrictions on part of the road leading to the bridge to ensure the road near the bridge is clear of vehicles, giving drivers maximum visibility of the height restriction.

“Raising the height of the bridge is not an option due to the significant impact this would have on Peaks Parkway traffic.

"If there are more incidents of drivers colliding with the bridge in the future, further restrictions can be explored. The council will continue to monitor this situation.

“Drivers are kindly asked to remind themselves of the height of their vehicles and pay particular attention when approaching Wintringham Road Bridge.”

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