Network Rail Tackles Over-Height Vehicle Strikes with ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ Campaign: A Game-Changer for Rail Safety in UK

Published on November 24, 2025

Over-height vehicles continue to collide with railway bridges, despite multiple warning signs on the approaches. These incidents are not just disruptive for passengers but also pose significant safety risks, causing delays, costly repairs, and logistical challenges for the rail network. To address this, Network Rail has launched a comprehensive safety campaign to reduce bridge strikes and improve rail travel across Wales and Borders. As part of the initiative, new signs will be installed, and the “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign will raise awareness among drivers about the importance of checking the height and width of their vehicles before traveling.

The Impact of Bridge Strikes on Rail Travel

When an over-height vehicle strikes a bridge, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate physical damage. Rebecca Watling, Head of Performance at Network Rail Wales and Borders, explained the severe impact on rail services. Each bridge strike results in the need for essential inspections and repairs, causing disruptions that halt train services. This leads to significant delays, often preventing passengers from reaching important connections or appointments. The knock-on effect ripples through the entire rail network, delaying not just local journeys but also national services.

These incidents also impose a significant financial burden on the public, as money spent on repairs and incident management could be better used to upgrade and maintain the rail network. The cost to the rail system is substantial, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent such disruptions from continuing.

“Wise Up, Size Up” Campaign: A Call for Driver Responsibility

In response to the growing issue of bridge strikes, Network Rail has launched the “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign. This national initiative seeks to educate drivers about the importance of knowing their vehicle’s dimensions, particularly its height and width, before setting off. As part of this campaign, drivers are encouraged to pay attention to safety signage placed along the approaches to railway bridges, ensuring they are aware of any restrictions that may apply to their vehicles.

The primary goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of incidents involving over-height vehicles, thereby improving safety for both rail travelers and railway workers. By raising awareness and encouraging responsible driving behavior, Network Rail aims to mitigate the risks posed by these incidents. The new signs will serve as an added layer of protection, guiding drivers to be more mindful of the height restrictions and the impact their vehicles may have on the rail infrastructure.

Local and Regional Impact: Creating a Safer Environment for Rail Travel

Bridge strikes not only affect local commuters but also have a significant impact on rail travel across the Wales and Borders region. Deb Justice, Community Rail Development Officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership, emphasized that these incidents disrupt the entire rail network. A collision at one bridge can cause delays across multiple services, including both local and long-distance trains. This disruption affects passengers who rely on the train system for their daily commute or for longer journeys across the country.

The solution, according to Justice, lies in a collective effort from both drivers and communities. Drivers are urged to take a moment before each journey to check their vehicle’s height and width. By making this small but impactful action, they can contribute significantly to preventing bridge strikes and ensure safer and smoother rail travel for everyone.

New Safety Measures: A Stronger Focus on Prevention and Education

In addition to installing new signs, Network Rail has implemented a series of safety measures aimed at reducing the risk of bridge strikes. These measures include an increased public outreach effort and educational campaigns designed to inform drivers about the risks of over-height vehicles. By focusing on prevention, Network Rail hopes to reduce the number of incidents and ensure that the rail network remains safe and operational.

The new signs will be placed in strategic locations where over-height vehicles have historically collided with bridges. These signs will remind drivers of the height restrictions and urge them to check their vehicle’s dimensions before proceeding. The installation of these signs is a critical part of Network Rail’s wider programme of investment in safety measures and driver education, designed to enhance the safety of rail travel.

The Role of Drivers: Ensuring Safety Through Responsibility

While Network Rail and other authorities can introduce safety measures, the responsibility for preventing bridge strikes ultimately falls to the drivers. It is essential that drivers take a few moments before starting their journey to check the height and width of their vehicles, ensuring they comply with any restrictions indicated by safety signs. This simple action can prevent accidents that cause delays and damage to the railway infrastructure.The “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign is a crucial step in changing driver behavior and raising awareness about the dangers posed by over-height vehicles. With the support of the public and the wider community, Network Rail aims to create a safer, more efficient rail network that benefits everyone.

Conclusion: A Safer Future for Rail Travel

The ongoing problem of over-height vehicles colliding with railway bridges continues to pose a significant risk to both local communities and the wider Wales and Borders rail network. Network Rail’s “Wise Up, Size Up” campaign, along with the installation of new signs and other safety measures, represents a proactive approach to reducing the number of bridge strikes and improving safety across the rail system. By focusing on driver education, providing clear safety signage, and investing in infrastructure improvements, Network Rail is taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of the railway system. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the cooperation of all drivers, who are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and help make the rail network safer for everyone.