THERE have been calls for action after yet another lorry struck the railway bridge on Wootton Bassett Road at Mannington.

Police closed the road in both directions for at least two hours yesterday after an artic carrying a cherrypicker hit the structure shortly before 12.45pm, causing the load to fall off.

There were no damage or injuries, but commentators have now called on Network Rail, which is responsible for the bridge, to put in place extra precautions.

The 14ft 9in bridge has ensnared many drivers over the years. In December 2011, a lorry became wedged under the structural support, and trains had to drive slowly as a precaution as they passed overhead.

Coun Steve Wakefield (Lab, Mannington and Western) said: “I’m surprised in the 21st century that sat navs don’t warn drivers about the height of the bridges.

“I’m sure big companies like Royal Mail have routes worked out for their lorries and it’s all fed into the navigation devices so I’m surprised when these things happen.

“It may pay Network Rail to work with the companies that provide sat navs because I think in the long-run it may be cheaper.”

Coun Bob Wright (Lab, Central) said Network Rail should pay to install a warning system similar to that used for overhead electric wires in building sites, where an approaching vehicle which is too high triggers a bell.

Dave Richens, of Toothill, who saw the aftermath of the incident, said: “I know there’s plenty of signage there but I believe they should stop trucks from going any further than the Toyota turn-off. I think there should be a way of stopping the trucks.

“Or in France they have flaps that come down that are the same height as the bridge and if you knock them it flashes lights.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said there was adequate warning signage, including height signs fixed on the bridge, chevrons painted on it, and flashing electronic signs on the approach which are activated by the height of the vehicle.

He said: “It’s the responsibility of the highways authority to guide drivers about hazards on the road, which is what we do, but ultimately responsibility to take notice of the hazards is down to the driver.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Network Rail has been proactive in maintaining the safety of the bridge by installing collision protection beams with warning chevrons on both sides of the structure. The height restriction on the bridge is clearly signed in advance and the bridge is clearly visible to drivers.

“As far as installing interactive signs similar to those used in France, that would be the responsibility of Swindon Borough Council.”