In my lifetime alone, the A5 bridge on Wailing Street in Hinckley has been struck by vehicles countless times. Just recently, it was hit twice in the span of 24 hours, causing significant disruption and raising serious safety concerns for everyone who relies on this vital route. For over 50 years, this bridge has been a recurring victim of such incidents, yet the problem remains unaddressed.

Despite the history of these collisions, no satisfactory measures have been implemented to prevent future occurrences. The repeated strikes are not only a menace to the structural integrity of the bridge but also pose a potential hazard to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Every strike risks a major accident, which could have devastating consequences.

One practical solution is to review and possibly revise the weight capacity restrictions on this section of the route and to restrict access to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that exceed the safe limit. This simple policy change can dramatically reduce the frequency of accidents and enhance the safety for all users of the road. Other similar locations have enforced such restrictions, resulting in fewer incidents and a safer environment for the local community.

The economic impact of these bridge strikes cannot be ignored either. Repairs are costly and cause delays, affecting local businesses that depend on efficient transportation routes. By implementing stricter regulations regarding HGV access, we can protect local commerce and ensure the bridge's longevity.

It's crucial that we respond to these incidents before a more severe accident occurs. By signing this petition, you can support our call to action for local authorities to conduct a thorough review of the current weight-capacity regulations for the A5 bridge on Wailing Street, Hinckley. Together, we can ensure this crucial piece of infrastructure is preserved and made safer for everyone.