A council’s toll barrier failure at Southampton’s Ichen Bridge over the river – taking the crossing out of service for 24 hours – caused drivers to drive around the debris and inoperative broken barrier.
The barrier collapsed due to failure of maintenance, not criminal damage Southampton City Council told Southern Evening Echo. But the council added: “Drivers will still be fined for not paying the toll according to Automatic Number Plate Recognition camera (ANPR) evidence.”
The barrier split in half at around 2 am on August 16th, while it was opening for a paying vehicle. Labour’s Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for transport said: “We can confirm that barrier 1E of the Itchen Bridge split in half whilst opening for a paying vehicle.
“Unfortunately, with this occurring in the early morning on Sunday, teams could not get a replacement barrier until the Monday. This incident was down to general wear and tear, and not criminal activity. Those that’ve made specific efforts to purposely drive around what was left of the barrier will receive fines.”
Southampton City Council has been under no overall control since this year’s May local council elections. A Labour minority administration is in charge. Due to ongoing local government reorganisation, that was the final Southampton City Council election before it’s abolished and replaced by a successor unitary authority. Elections to the successor authority are due to take place in May next year. May’s elections were widely ridiculed for the remaining 12 month term as costing several £millions – instead of extending the existing term to five years before residents have to go to the polls again next May.
Following on from the previous Labour-controlled administration’s Net “stupid” Zero hatred of motorists, the Southampton Chamber of Commerce reports members re-locating outside the city – especially those who have to drive around town as part of their business – small self employed contractors such as plumbers, builders, electricians, and one known to GLTN readers that employed five slot machine service mechanics. Following that firm’s closure, the five have been made redundant.
ENDS
Picture courtesy of Google Earth.
Author Richard Town is a former GLC councillor and metropolitan police driver. He writes here on behalf of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
The UK has over 37 million drivers – that is a majority; we should stop tolerating the way we are treated by the government and local councils.
Cars, vans and taxis account for 80% of the mileage of all trips in the UK, and over 65% of goods being carried by road. The road network, and the people who use it, are of vital importance to the nation’s economy. Drivers should expect the road network to be improved and maintained to a standard that is fit for purpose. They should be able to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner without being subject to unreasonable charges, restrictions or penalties.
