Leeds Bridge May Be Off-Limits to Some LGVs

In March 2011, 35-year-old Edward Slaney was crushed to death when a gust of wind blew over a passing LGV. The accident happened at Bridgewater Place in Leeds, West Yorkshire, near the Victoria Bridge in the city centre. And according to BBC News, local officials are contemplating making sure such accidents do not happen again.

BBC News says the Leeds City Council has proposed putting in place a ban for all lorries in excess of 7.5 tons. If the ban is approved such LGVs will no longer be allowed to use the bridge during periods of high winds. Monitoring equipment in the area already allows for posting voluntary diversions during windy conditions; those diversions would become permanent for smaller LGVs and other commercial vehicles.

If the ban goes into effect, Victoria Road will be off-limits to large LGVs between Walter Lane and Neville Street. Alternate routes will be posted for drivers at either end of the section. The alternate routes will hopefully keep the large vehicles away from areas where high winds could pose an undue danger.

Typical LGV training teaches drivers to pay attention to weather conditions and act accordingly. And while most drivers do everything within their power to remain safe, there is little that can be done about an unexpected gust of wind. Some would even argue that wind is the most dangerous weather condition for LGVs – more dangerous than rain, snow, and ice.

What makes the wind is so dangerous is its unpredictable nature. A driver could be moving across a bridge under light wind conditions and then, without warning, be blasted with a cross wind capable of turning the vehicle over. Articulated lorries are at exceptionally high risk due to the nature of the rigs.

Regular Training Important

We recognize it’s not possible to eliminate LGV accidents completely. We do not live in a perfect world. However, regular training for LGV drivers can reduce the likelihood of accidents across the UK. Regular, supplemental LGV training helps to sharpen skills, refresh a driver’s memory, and bring him/her up-to-date regarding new rules and regulations.

The HGV Training Centre can provide current LGV drivers with all the supplemental training they need. We work with individual drivers, but we also work with some of the UK’s most well known haulage and freight transport companies. Fleet managers around the country depend on us to provide routine training for their workers; we would be happy to provide the same services for you.

The HGV Training Centre is the UK’s largest and most well known training company for commercial drivers. We offer training for HGVs, PCVs, horseboxes and horsebox trailers, vans, and forklift trucks. What’s more, we help each driver every step of the way. From completing initial paperwork to passing the theory test to providing practical skills training, you will always get the best from us.

With more than 45 training facilities across the country, you are sure to find a centre close to home. If you are in need of LGV training, contact us today.