New anti-trespass measures at Peterborough’s Crescent Bridge approved

Network Rail has been given the go-ahead by the city council to extend and replace the existing mesh parapet (barrier) with steel panels and extend it across the full length of the city centre bridge.

This would be topped by a roller barrier to prevent climbing.

Explaining why the new measures are needed, Network Rail said: “Unfortunately, instances of trespass, vandalism and suicide have become more prevalent on the bridge over the last several years which can be attributed to several factors.

“Geographically, the bridge is located close to the town centre and railway station attracting a high volume of use and therefore a higher chance of misuse.

“The fact it is a well-known landmark for Peterborough may have also contributed to the bridge’s attraction.

“The design of the bridge is such that its low parapet height and exposed metallic structure make it easy for the public to climb up onto the bridge and its arches. Given that the bridge crosses a very busy electrified railway these occurrences pose a great threat to safety and the resultant delays are hugely disruptive for pedestrians, road and rail users.

“Whilst Network Rail has already attempted to prevent unauthorised access to the bridge by installing mesh parapet extensions at each abutment, this has proved insufficient. As a result, further steps must be taken to prevent any possible instances of trespass at Crescent Bridge.”

It added: “The type of anti-trespass measures proposed are typical to those which appear in a railway setting and are therefore considered not to be out of context in this location, particularly subject to a colour finish to match the existing structure.

“Given their position, these features would not be visible from the public highway with views only possible from the railway or the adjacent station car park to the east of the bridge.”

Cambridgeshire police said it was “fully supportive” of the plans which would “support community safety and reduce vulnerability to crime”.