Wirral woman’s petition for fencing after M53 incidents

Last month, the Globe reported on numerous incidents that had taken place on the M53 motorway involving people on bridges. On October 28, the Globe reported emergency services were called to Junction 3 of the M53 at Woodchurch[1] at around 5am due to a man being on the wrong side of the railings on the bridge. He was taken to hospital.

The following day, on October 29, we reported how officers were called to junction 4 (Clatterbridge) of the M53 motorway[2] to reports for the concern for the safety of a man. Jane Walker, 60, from Pensby, who has been a member of Pensby WI for four years, said she felt compelled to put a resolution forward to the WI National Federation after reading reports of the incidents and speaking with fellow committee members who had experienced seeing people on bridges on numerous occasions. In early autumn, resolutions submitted by WI members are discussed and debated by federation and member representatives, and reduced to a shortlist

A resolution is a call for change on a current issue in society. Once a resolution has been adopted at the Annual Meeting, the Public Affairs Department turns it into a campaign. Despite Jane's resolution not making the final shortlist, she has since set up a petition[3] calling upon the Highways Agency to take immediate action by assessing the current state of motorways and high-level crossings and prioritising the installation of safety fencing.

Jane told the Globe: "I have done so much research into creating the resolution, focusing on the numbers involved and the wider implications of people attempting to jump from bridges. I'm invested in this campaign, and I didn't want to wait another year to put it forward to go through the same process again next year. "So I thought, what could I do locally?, and that's why I set the petition up.

"We had three attempts within a week on the Wirral, so it's definitely something that I think really matters. "Installing bridge fencing is such a simple method of deterring somebody from a bridge by having a physical barrier there. It gives people time to stop and think, and maybe be a bit of a wake-up call to think, What am I actually doing?.

"The numbers are outstanding in other areas that have installed them. The Coronado Bridge in San Diego saw a drastic decrease in lives nearly lost to suicide with the installation of effective barriers as well as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. "So if one area is able to adopt it, I'm sure others might see the benefits."

Posting on the petition, Jane added: "In recent days, our community has been shaken by three suicide related incidents on bridges over the M53. "Each of these incidents was not just a tragic event for the individuals involved and their families, but a distressing reminder of the risks that our current infrastructure poses to vulnerable individuals. "No parent, friend, or passerby should have to witness such devastating moments occurring above one of our busiest roadways.

"It has become increasingly clear that the lack of proper safety measures on motorway bridges and high-level road and rail crossings is an urgent issue that needs addressing. "Studies have shown that implementing safety fencing significantly supports suicide prevention efforts in such locations. According to the World Health Organization, effective barrier measures can lead to a 30% to 50% decrease in suicides from jumping.

"In other regions where safety fences have been installed, the results are promising. The Coronado Bridge in San Diego saw a drastic decrease in lives nearly lost to suicide with the installation of effective barriers. "It is vital that we implement similar solutions on the M53 motorway bridges to ensure the safety of every individual in our community.

"We call upon local councils, the Highways Agency, and the Department for Transport to take immediate action by assessing the current state of our motorway and high-level crossings and prioritising the installation of safety fencing. "These measures don't just provide a physical barrier; they offer a chance for intervention and hope at the critical moment." A National Highways spokesperson said: "Safety is our number one priority, and our Suicide Prevention Strategy sets out our vision to reduce and prevent suicide where practically possible on our roads.

"In addition, we recently published guidance for the industry to support the better design of major UK roads and bridges to help further reduce this risk." To sign the petition, click here.[4] Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit.

This number won't show up on your phone bill.

Or you can [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org. Whatever you are going through, you don't have to face it alone.[5][6]

References

1. ^ the Globe reported emergency services were called to Junction 3 of the M53 at Woodchurch (www.wirralglobe.co.uk)
2. ^ we reported how officers were called to junction 4 (Clatterbridge) of the M53 motorway (www.wirralglobe.co.uk)
3. ^ she has since set up a petition (www.change.org)
4. ^ click here. (www.change.org)
5. ^ [email protected] (www.wirralglobe.co.uk)
6. ^ www.samaritans.org (www.samaritans.org)