Bridge crash repair costs sought from police

A council said it was looking to recover the full cost of repairing a Grade II-listed bridge from police after a patrol car crashed into it.

The vehicle smashed through the stone parapet on Worcester Bridge, in Worcester, back in March after the driver lost the ability to steer when a laptop became lodged in the steering column.

Repairs, expected to take up to three weeks, were started earlier in October and Worcestershire County Council said discussions over the cost were ongoing.

West Mercia Police said the matter was being dealt with by the force's insurers.

Specialist materials and conservation techniques were needed to preserve the bridge's historic character, according to the council.

This would include sourcing similar stone, as it was decided parts of the original bridge, which ended up on the riverbed, would not be recovered.

Surveys showed the submerged stone was likely to be damaged and was not posing a risk to river users, so it was not worth the "significant cost".

The council, which has yet to reveal the cost of the project, said: "We will be looking to recoup all costs relating to the Worcester Bridge incident including the preparation works, scheme design and management of the repair, once the repair is complete.

"We remain in discussions with all parties involved."

Motorists were previously warned to expect delays while the work was carried out, while pedestrian access would remain available.

Asked about the cost, West Mercia Police said: "The matter is currently being dealt with by our insurers who are in contact with the local authority. We are unable to comment any further."

The force previously confirmed the crash was reviewed by the Professional Standards Department and no misconduct was identified.

However, both the driver and passenger were instructed to undergo "reflective practice" with the driving training team.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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