Bell-shaped bollard on Yorkshire bridge triggers crashes, sparking safety debate

A jet-black bell-shaped bollard installed on Widdale Bridge on the B6255 near Hawes, North Yorkshire, has become a hazard after multiple crashes, with local reports counting at least seven incidents in about three months. The bollard was installed to protect the bridge parapet after previous strikes but sits away from the road edge and is difficult to see, particularly at night.

The bridge crosses the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a route for tourists visiting Hawes, Ingleton and Ribblehead.

One local, Barry Purcell, who runs a bed-and-breakfast in nearby Askrigg, described the project as a 'stupid idea' and a 'liability' after a Norwegian couple staying at his property were taken to hospital following a crash on the bridge. He said the couple’s arm injuries required surgery and that the incident forced them to curtail their visit. He told local reporters that police indicated the bollard was not an isolated problem and that others had occurred previously.

Some residents have defended the bollard, arguing it helps prevent more serious damage to the bridge and its surroundings, while others urge greater visibility. Social-media posts cited mixed opinions, with remarks ranging from praise for a potential safety measure to calls for clearer warnings and better signage.

North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for highways and infrastructure, Barrie Mason, said the bollard was installed on the Widdale Bridge in October last year to help prevent damage to the bridge parapet which had been struck on a number of occasions. He noted that the road approach to the bridge has signs and markings alerting motorists to the narrows and that white lines clearly mark the edge of the carriageway. The bollard, located away from the road edge, is painted to keep in keeping with the historic nature of the bridge. He added that motorists should heed the warnings and road conditions to prevent further incidents.

The Widdale Bridge site sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and sits on a route popular with visitors to the surrounding villages of Hawes, Ingleton and Ribblehead. As the debate continues, officials say traffic-safety improvements, including potential reflective signage and heightened warnings, could be considered to reduce future crashes while preserving the bridge’s historic character.