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Thursday 11 Dec 2025

Figures reveal Scottish regions with most bridge strikes

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

New figures from Network Rail reveal the significant disruption caused when vehicles collide with railway bridges.

From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, there were 1,666 reported bridge strikes in Britain, equivalent to one every five hours, costing the rail industry around £12m in delays and cancellations.  

In Scotland, there were 158 strikes. The worst-affected areas included Edinburgh (12 strikes), West Dunbartonshire (11) and Renfrewshire (11), with other hotspots in Falkirk (10) and Fife (10).  

Scottish regions with bridge strikes in 2024-25 

• Edinburgh - 12    

• West Dunbartonshire - 11   

• Renfrewshire - 11   

• Falkirk - 10  

• Fife - 10 

• Highlands - 9   

• Glasgow  - 8   

• Perth and Kinross - 7   

• Angus - 7   

• Dumfries and Galloway - 7   

• West Lothian - 7   

• South Ayrshire - 7   

• East Ayrshire - 6   

• East Lothian - 6   

• Transport Scotland - 5   

• Aberdeen - 4 

• East Renfrewshire - 4   

• North Lanarkshire - 4   

• Moray - 4   

• South Lanarkshire - 4   

• Dundee - 3   

• Inverclyde - 3   

• Argyll and Bute - 2   

• East Dunbartonshire - 1   

With the busy Christmas delivery period underway, Network Rail is urging haulage operators and their drivers to ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ by checking vehicle heights and planning 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.” 

Reporting a bridge strike:  

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.