By Humber Bridge defends footpath closure
The Humber Bridge Board has issued a statement defending the controversial footpath closure following several recent incidents.
The immediate and indefinite closure was announced on Saturday.
A number of people have sadly decided to end their lives at the bridge, with a spokesperson calling the ‘unprecedented’ increase “unlike anything we have previously dealt with”.
The emergency response followed the sixth death within 31 days.
Reactions to the decision have varied, with many saying that the move is long overdue, or that more permanent preventative measures are needed.
But the board have defended the decision, stating that “closing the footways is the most immediate and effective way to prevent further incidents of this nature.”
“This was our sole consideration when making the decision,” a spokesperson continued.
“As well as protecting emotionally distressed individuals, the measure has been implemented to protect our staff and the public.
“When these tragic events occur, our staff are the first responders and have to deal with some extremely distressing and traumatic situations. We have a duty to minimise their exposure to such incidents to protect their mental health and wellbeing.
“We are, however, looking at reopening access to commuters as soon as possible, to minimise disruption to those who cycle or walk to work over the Humber Bridge, and we are considering a range of measures to ensure the situation can be effectively managed once the footways fully reopen.”
The Humber Bridge Board currently spends a quarter of a million pounds each year on measures designed to prevent emotionally distressed individuals from ending their lives at the bridge.
Until last month these measures had been largely effective.
Many have attributed the increase in incidents to the impact of coronavirus restrictions on mental health.
The Humber Bridge Board is said to be working closely with local authorities, emergency services, the Samaritans, and Public Health to assess the future risk, as well as whether additional safety measures can be put in place.
While this is ongoing, the footway closure is expected to remain in place.
