Where are the worst areas in Scotland for railway bridge crashes?

New figures have revealed the worst areas in Scotland for railway bridge crashes.

Network Rail responded to a number of incidents last year, which caused “significant disruption” after vehicles, including buses and lorries, struck bridges.

The operator says between April 1, 2024, and March 31 this year, there were 1,666 reported bridge strikes in the UK, equivalent to one every five hours.

Across the country, the damage cost the rail industry around £12m in delays and cancellations.

In Scotland, there were 158 strikes, with the most incidents occurring in Edinburgh, with 12 crashes reported.

In joint second place were West Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire, with 11 strikes each.

Last December, a double-decker bus crashed into a railway bridge near the O2 Academy in Glasgow, causing multiple injuries.

A van also struck a bridge near Dalmarnock in October this year, causing damage to stonework.

Number of railway bridge strikes last year

Edinburgh – 12
West Dunbartonshire – 11
Renfrewshire – 11
Falkirk – ten
Fife – ten
Highlands – nine
Glasgow – eight
Perth and Kinross – seven
Angus – seven
Dumfries and Galloway – seven
West Lothian – seven
South Ayrshire – seven
East Ayrshire – six
East Lothian – six
Aberdeen – four
East Renfrewshire – four
North Lanarkshire – four
Moray – four
South Lanarkshire – four
Dundee – three
Inverclyde – three
Argyll and Bute – two
East Dunbartonshire – one

Five incidents also involved Transport Scotland.

Network Rail is urging haulage operators and their drivers to check vehicle heights and plan suitable routes to avoid low bridges.

Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management, said: “Bridge strikes are entirely preventable, yet they have real consequences for passengers, communities and the wider economy.

“We’re working with partners to improve signage, strengthen compliance and raise awareness, but we need drivers and operators to do their part too.

“Check the height of your vehicle, plan routes that avoid low bridges, and never take chances. A few extra minutes of planning can prevent hours of disruption.”

If you are involved in, or witness, a bridge strike incident, it should be immediately reported using the telephone number on the identification plate fixed to the bridge.

If no plate is provided, the strike should be reported to the Police by telephoning 999.

Strikes can also be reported to the Network Rail emergency helpline as a last resort on 03457 11 41 41.