M32 footbridges could be made safer after closures
SAFETY measures could now be introduced on footbridges crossing the M32.
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for the bridges, said measures could be brought in if incidents such as the ones which caused traffic chaos in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday happened repeatedly.
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The M32 brought to a standstill
The pledge came after Post readers called for action to be taken to prevent individuals causing delays for thousands of motorists by threatening to jump from the bridges.
A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said action could be taken if a "pattern emerges".
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She said: "Safety is our top priority. While these incidents are always of concern they are unusual.
"We will monitor the situation and if a pattern emerges where these incidents are causing regular disruption we would look to investigate if a cost-effective solution could be implemented."
The M32 was closed to traffic following both incidents last week.
In the first, Shane Heyman, 31, caused major traffic disruption on Tuesday as he stood on the wrong side of the barrier of a bridge over the carriageway at the St Paul's junction at 1pm.
Police closed the M32 in both directions and several other roads to deal with Heyman. Negotiators spoke to him and shortly before 4pm he was brought to safety.
Heyman, of Victoria Parade, Redfield, pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance when he appeared before court on Thursday.
Mitigating, David Fanson said that Heyman had mental health problems and had suffered from schizophrenia.
The court heard that he had stopped taking his medication, affecting his mood, and he had felt suicidal after his wife had asked him to leave.
Comments
by A_Mushroom
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 10:25PM
“If causing disruption to traffic is an offence of causing a public nuisance then there are thousands of drivers each day guilty of this crime. These drivers must have mental health problems if they don't learn what is causing their behaviour. It's something to do with their benzene medication.
It's a pity that the Highways Agency don't act on this, which is very much a daily pattern of behaiour. Why aren't they looking to investigate if a cost-effective solution could be implemented?
Now your turn. Petrol heads click on the little red arrow, cyclists click on the little green arrow. REALLY angry readers please post a scathing reply. Really angry and ABUSIVE readers, please let rip now. Thank you.”
by ceembee
Monday, September 17 2012, 7:49PM
“This bridge has been in situ for many years & this is the first time I can recall anyone has carried out this type of act.
The first individual I have sympathy for given his mental health issues. The second who I have had some experience of (work related) is an attention seeker, poor impulse control & seems to think the world oves him a living. Zero sympathy.”
by vlox4
Monday, September 17 2012, 6:26PM
“I've always wondered this considering there is a high-barrier footbridge over the M32 near the yellow mansion. Shame it's taken two potential fatalities for the Highways Agency to now consider these measures.”
by Pyronaught
Monday, September 17 2012, 2:24PM
“I love the fact that no-one gives a stuff about either of the people who threatened to jump - but are kicking up a huge outcry because they were late for their tea!!!
I think DM_Fishponds is spot on as well - the council have caused massive disruption all over the city - yet that appears to be absolutely fine. Utter hypocrisy.”
by Kwacker
Monday, September 17 2012, 10:46AM
“So they'd make every single bridge safe so nobody can jump off! Who I wonder would end up paying for all this work?”
by drillerk
Monday, September 17 2012, 10:22AM
“I really wouldnt bother reading a thing writen by 'The Post' practically everything they write is lies and biggoted. If you write anything pointing out the errors(LIES) in their articles they remove the comment and disable comments on the article to stop further critisism. They have already done it twice today. The Post diliberately tell lies to further their own agenda. They do it so blatantly that frankly I am disgusted enough be bothered to write this comment. Personally I will never ever help with their advertising revenues by coming to this site again and would encourage you to do the same. Peace”
by DM_Fishponds
Monday, September 17 2012, 9:41AM
“It is ironic that in an associated story last week in the 'Post', one of the potential jumpers is being prosecuted for "enormous disruption to the traffic system, leading to gridlock" . . .
The leader reads "TWO men accused of bringing Bristol to a standstill . . ."
http://tinyurl.com/8bs878j
. . . while members of the council who may be regarded as having achieved much the same result expect to be re-elected/remain employed and continue to draw their large salaries!
Let's hope that 'causing enormous disruption to the traffic system, leading to gridlock' soon becomes a criminal offence! In the meantime can members of the council be charged with "causing a public nuisance"?”
by PE175
Monday, September 17 2012, 9:10AM
“@Supersnakes
"Why should the actions of one person affect so many others" the safety barriers need putting around Tim Kent as well as the bridge, his actions has caused far more disruption than any bridge jumper.”
by Supersnakes
Monday, September 17 2012, 8:58AM
“They should implement the safety barriers immediately. Why should the actions of one person affect so many others?”