New traffic cameras have been installed to monitor one of Britain’s most frequently struck railway bridges, following growing concern from residents and campaigners. The Stonea Road bridge, near March in Cambridgeshire, was the joint second “most bashed” in the country, with 17 strikes recorded between 2023 and 2024, according to Network Rail. One resident, however, believes the true figure is far higher.
James Fuller, a lorry driver who has campaigned for improved safety at the site, said the official numbers do not reflect the scale of the problem. “The actual number is closer to 40 or 50 a year,” he claimed. “After hundreds of strikes over the years you have to stop blaming drivers and start blaming the infrastructure.”
The two-metre-high (6ft 6in) bridge is situated beside a manual level crossing, creating a complex junction that residents say is hazardous for motorists. Cambridgeshire County Council said the newly installed cameras would monitor the road for at least three months to collect traffic data, including vehicle speeds, near-misses, and general flow.
A council spokesperson said: “Reviewing this data will help us better understand the reasons why bridge strikes occur. Once we have that evidence, we can draw proper conclusions and assess whether further works are needed.”
Fuller remains unconvinced. “The cameras are an absolute waste of time and money,” he said. “Do you really need data to work out that 50mph is too quick?”
Network Rail said it had already taken measures to protect the bridge itself. Stephen Deaville, from Network Rail, explained: “Network Rail runs, operates and maintains the railway structure, which does include the rail bridge that goes over the road. It also includes the manual level crossing which is next to the underpass. We don’t maintain or operate the road network.
“An impact protection beam has been installed to protect the bridge from strikes,” he added.
While residents argue that the repeated collisions demonstrate a need for urgent change, authorities insist that monitoring is an important first step. Cambridgeshire County Council has ruled out closing the underpass, citing concerns about stability of the nearby riverbank and risks to vehicles if the road layout were altered.
Cambridgeshire is home to two of the UK’s most frequently struck bridges, raising broader questions about safety and responsibility. Network Rail has previously said that while it can protect rail infrastructure, decisions on road layouts and speed limits remain matters for local authorities.
For now, the Stonea Road bridge will remain under watch as the council gathers evidence. Whether that leads to long-term improvements or further delays is yet to be decided.
