How to Avoid Bridge Strikes: Practical Tips Every Driver Needs to Know Bridge strikes remain one of the most disruptive, dangerous, and expensive incidents on UK roads. Every year, thousands of bridges are struck by vehicles that are too tall or incorrectly routed, causing major disruptions , vehicle damage , rail delays , and even risking lives . For HGV drivers, avoiding a bridge strike isn’t just about protecting the load. It’s about protecting your licence , your safety , and the reputation of your employer . In almost all instances, Bridge Strikes are preventable when drivers follow correct procedures and route planning practices, so, we’ve put together a practical, easy-to-follow guide on how to prevent bridge strikes on every journey. 1. Know Your Vehicle Height — Don’t Guess You must know your exact vehicle height , including the cab, trailer, load, and any equipment attached. Height can change due to factors such as fifth-wheel adjustments or changes in load status. Before setting off: Measure the overall vehicle height Check the height of the trailer and its load Display the correct maximum height clearly inside the cab (a legal requirement if your vehicle exceeds 3m) Do not rely solely on the headboard , as it may be inaccurate depending on how the trailer is coupled. 2. Plan Your Route Carefully — Use HGV-Specific Navigation Shortcuts and Sat Nav’s that are sold for Car Users are key contributors to bridge strike incidents. Always use: ✔ HGV-specific sat nav systems ✔ Approved transport routes ✔ Company route directions (where applicable) Avoid shortcuts to save time — they can lead straight to low bridges. If you are diverted from your planned route, slow down and reassess. If you’re unsure whether the diversion is safe for your vehicle height, stop in a safe place and re-route using an HGV system. 3. Understand Traffic Signs and What They Mean There are two types of signs warn drivers of height restrictions: Red circles = Prohibition ( Do NOT pass if you exceed the height displayed) Red triangles = Warning of an upcoming restriction At arch bridges , additional features may appear: “Goal posts” showing the usable height clearance White road markings showing the safe width for tall vehicles Always position your vehicle centrally and only use the middle of the road when it is safe to do so. 4. Know the Lowest Bridges on Your Route Identify the lowest bridges along their planned route before departing. This proactive approach helps eliminate surprise encounters with low clearances. 5. Stay Alert While En Route Even with planning, you must always remain alert. Pay attention to: New or temporary signs Diversions Environmental factors such as weather or darkness Vehicle height changes after loading/unloading If the height displayed on a restriction is lower than your vehicle: 👉🏼 STOP. Do NOT attempt to pass - The consequences far outweigh the delay. 6. If in Doubt — Stop and Check If you’re unsure whether your vehicle will fit under a bridge, the safest action is to stop and seek advice. No delivery deadline is worth risking: A bridge strike Your licence Public safety 7. Understand the Consequences of a Bridge Strike A bridge strike has severe consequences including serious injury or death to drivers and passengers, significant financial costs for repairs and compensation, legal and regulatory action, and major operational disruptions. These incidents can lead to fines, licence suspension or revocation, and damage to a company's reputation. On the railway Potential derailments Catastrophic loss of life Train service disruption Major infrastructure damage On road users Injury or fatality risk Severe traffic disruption On drivers & employers Licence loss Prosecution Job loss Increased insurance premiums Operator’s licence at risk High financial penalties (inspections, repairs, recovery, delays) Bridge strikes are not minor incidents — they're serious safety events. 8. What to Do If a Bridge Strike Happens For railway bridges : Call the Rail Authority immediately using the phone number on the bridge identification plate. Contact the police via 999. Inform your employer. Do NOT move the vehicle. Keep the public away. For non-rail bridges , contact the police and your employer, then follow the same safety precautions. 🚛Final Thoughts: Awareness Prevents Incidents Bridge strikes are nearly always preventable. With correct planning, awareness of vehicle height, respect for signs, and safe driving behaviour, you significantly reduce the risk. At Elite, we’re committed to supporting both drivers and clients with practical safety guidance throughout their careers. Staying alert and informed protects: ✔ Your safety ✔ Your licence ✔ Your employer ✔ The public ✔ The rail and road network You can find out more information about best practice to prevent Bridge Strikes from the Government Website Here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-of-bridge-strikes-good-practice-guide Stop. Check. Stay safe. Stay Elite.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance in Logistics Recruitment In the logistics and transport sector, compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential. Every operator knows the risks that come with missed checks, incorrect documentation, or non-compliant workers. But when demand is high and time is short, compliance can sometimes slip down the priority list. And that’s when costly mistakes happen. At Elite , we believe compliance isn’t a tick-box exercise, it’s the foundation of safe, sustainable, and successful operations. What Non-Compliance Really Costs The true cost of non-compliance goes far beyond fines or paperwork errors. When standards are overlooked, the impact can be felt across your entire operation: Financial penalties – Breaches of WTD or driver hours regulations can lead to significant fines and enforcement action. Operational downtime – Suspensions, reassignments, and investigations slow down productivity. Reputational damage – Clients, suppliers, and regulators remember businesses that fail to meet legal obligations. Loss of trust – Non-compliance undermines confidence between recruitment partners, drivers, and customers. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding risk — it’s about protecting your people, your brand, and your business. How Elite Protects Clients from Risk With over a decade of experience in logistics recruitment, we know how critical compliance is, and we’ve built it into every step of our process. Here’s how we keep our clients protected: ✅ Thorough Vetting Process – Every driver is fully checked, referenced, and verified before assignment. ✅ Accreditation's That Matter – Elite is accredited by the REC, ALP, BIOR, and RRT , demonstrating our commitment to ethical and professional recruitment. ✅ 24/7 Compliance Support – Our consultants are available day and night to ensure documentation, shifts, and driver hours remain accurate and compliant. ✅ Ongoing Monitoring – We don’t just check once and forget. We regularly audit and update records to maintain full transparency. Compliance as a Competitive Advantage The transport and logistics industry is built on trust and reliability, and compliance is at the heart of both. When clients partner with a recruitment agency that takes compliance seriously, they gain: Peace of mind knowing every worker meets legal and safety standards. Reduced risk of fines, investigations, or reputational damage. Stronger long-term relationships built on accountability and trust. At Elite, we don’t cut corners to deliver speed — we combine efficiency with integrity , ensuring your workforce is compliant, capable, and ready to perform. Choose a Partner that puts Compliance first The cost of getting compliance wrong can be significant — but with Elite, you don’t have to take that risk. We provide fully accredited recruitment solutio ns across transport, freight, and logistics, giving our clients the assurance that every worker is vetted, qualified, and ready to deliver. Because in logistics, compliance doesn’t slow you down — it keeps you moving safely. 📞 Talk to our team today about how we can help strengthen compliance and reduce risk in your operation. 📧 jobs@elite-employ.com | ☎️ 0151 420 1219 🌐 www.elite-employ.com
Elite’s Guide to Passing Your HGV Assessment the First Time If you’re preparing for an HGV driving assessment , you’re taking a big step toward a rewarding and well-paid driving career. At Elite , we’ve supported hundreds of professional drivers through this process, and we know exactly what assessors are looking for. All assessments are different, but most last between 2–8 hours , depending on the company and the type of vehicle or route you’re being tested on. Below, we’ve broken down what to expect — and how to give yourself the best chance of passing first time. Arrive Prepared and on Time Always plan your journey and aim to arrive on site at least 15 minutes early . This gives you time to find where you need to go, park safely, and get settled before your assessment begins. Rushing in at the last minute can leave you feeling flustered — and that’s not the first impression you want to give. 1. Bring the Right Documents and Equipment Before you leave home, double-check that you have everything you’ll need: Driving Licence (correct category for the vehicle) Driver CPC card Digital Tachograph (Digi) card Glasses (if required for driving or reading) PPE: Steel toe-capped boots and a high-vis vest Pen for any written sections Turning up fully prepared shows professionalism — and prevents any unnecessary delays or disqualification before you even start. 2. Get Enough Rest Beforehand Make sure you’ve had sufficient rest before your assessment and that this is recorded correctly on your Digi card . Your rest period will form part of your recorded working time, and fatigue can seriously affect your driving performance and reaction times. Assessors will expect you to demonstrate that you understand and follow rest and working time regulations. Elite Tip: Treat your assessment like a real shift — plan your rest, eat properly, and stay hydrated. 3. Drugs & Alcohol Test Many companies include a drugs and alcohol screening as part of their assessment or induction process. This is completely standard across the industry and helps ensure everyone on site is fit and safe to work. Be aware that some prescription medications can trigger a false positive . Always inform the agency or company of any prescription medicines you’re taking before you arrive on site . A zero-tolerance policy applies — any positive result without prior disclosure will usually prevent you from continuing the assessment. Elite Advice: Avoid alcohol the night before and double-check that any medication you use is legally prescribed and documented. 4. Written Tests Most assessments include a short written section to check your knowledge of the key rules and safety standards for professional drivers. This can include: Highway Code questions General safe driving knowledge EU Drivers’ Hours Rules Working Time Directive (WTD) Tachograph symbols and usage These tests aren’t designed to trip you up — they’re to make sure you have the right understanding to stay safe and compliant on the road. 5. Walk-Around Checks Next, you’ll complete a vehicle walk-around check , which demonstrates your ability to spot defects and perform legal safety inspections. You’ll be expected to check: Lights, mirrors, tyres, and brakes Fluid levels and leaks Load security and body condition Air lines and couplings Trailer height indicator – make sure it’s set correctly before you move off Talking through what you’re checking as you go helps show your assessor that you know what you’re doing. 6. Coupling and Uncoupling a Trailer For Class 1 (C+E) assessments, you’ll be asked to couple and uncouple a trailer safely and correctly. This involves: Performing all safety checks Reversing under the trailer with care Connecting the fifth wheel and kingpin securely Attaching air lines and electrics Completing a tug test Uncoupling safely, applying trailer brakes, and lowering legs Take your time and follow the correct sequence — assessors want to see calm, methodical work, not speed. 7. Driving Assessment The main part of the assessment will test your practical driving ability both on and off the road. This usually includes: Reversing and manoeuvring On-road driving in mixed traffic Awareness and hazard perception Safe and fuel-efficient driving Speed awareness Keep mirror checks frequent, maintain good lane discipline, and always drive smoothly and safely. Remember — assessors want to see the habits of a professional driver. Elite Tip: Think “safe, smooth, and steady” — not “fast.” Confidence and control count far more than speed. 8. Health & Safety Finally, your assessment may include a short discussion or check around health and safety procedures , such as site awareness, reporting hazards, manual handling, and emergency protocols. Knowing how to stay safe on-site and understanding your responsibilities as a driver will always leave a positive impression. Final Thoughts Your HGV assessment is your opportunity to show not just your skill, but your professionalism and readiness to represent the company safely on the road. With preparation, rest, and attention to detail, you can confidently pass your HGV assessment the first time and start your next driving job with Elite. 🚛 We Prep - You Pass 📞 Call us on 01514201219 💬 Apply online: jobs@elite-employ.com
