Humber Bridge near misses caused by motorcyclists riding on footpaths and debris in the road

The Humber Bridge near Hessle in the East Riding of Yorkshire. (Photo: LDRS)

The Humber Bridge Board’s summary of the latest near misses stated that 12 of the incidents were caused by poor driver behaviour including reversing and u-turns at the toll booths. The report stated there has been no accidents since mid-June and officials continue to ensure health, safety and welfare is monitored at the Humber Bridge.

Analysis of the 30 near misses on the Humber Bridge since June showed there were two instances of motorcyclists riding on the footways. Debris on the bridge’s carriageway was responsible for another two near misses while another was related to a minor collision. Three near misses involved Humber Bridge Board equipment while two related to building refurbishment.

Five instances related to damage to Board property and equipment while one involved unmarked liquids. Another involved a non-board contractor and one related to surface water drainage.

One driver reversed on the northbound carriageway and one on the southbound stretch of the bridge in July, compared to five and three respectively in June.

There was also one instance of a driver u-turning and reversing back to the A15/A164 roundabout in June, with one a month before and none a year earlier. The one northbound and one southbound reversals in July compare to two southbound the previous year.

The last accident at the bridge saw a 74-year-old motorcyclist die after he and a lorry crashed into each other on Friday, June 16.

Meanwhile, a report on the board’s finances stated before than forecast traffic including cars, small vans and caravans has resulted in income of £5.7m so far this year. The amount of income is £400,000 above what was previously forecast.

The operating costs of the bridge were £209,000 under budget but this is expected to change as more works are done later this year. A total of £597,000 has been spent on maintenance so far this year.