A petition has been launched to improve safety measures on the Orwell Bridge as call outs rose to record levels.

Youth worker Caroline Rutherford, who lives in Felixstowe, has called for more safety measures on the A14 bridge spanning the river Orwell, such as higher barriers, similar to those installed on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Ms Rutherford points out that his year alone (up to October 27) Suffolk police were called out to the bridge over 'concern for safety' incidents 188 times.

More often than not other emergency services, such as fire, ambulance and police are called out too.

The number of call outs for safety concerns has risen year on year. In 2017 there were 85 call outs, with 86 in 2018, 110 in 2019, 163 in 2020 and this year 188 so far.

It is hoped the petition will push the Government to ensure Highways England takes action to protect the public with but needs 100,000 signatures to take action.

At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Concerns have been raised at not just the amount of delays caused by call outs, but the physiological effect on emergency services.

Sign the petition here...

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