Bridge closure protocol

A STRING of bridge closures and bomb alerts in Londonderry over the past year have resulted in a joint protocol between the PSNI and Roads Service being rolled out in the city.

Last July the Craigavon bridge was closed for over 24 hours after what the PSNI described as a "sophisticated hoax” and in March four Real IRA bomb alerts caused similar disruption.

In order to keep vital arterial routes open in light of the increased number of security alerts a joint protocol between Roads Service and the police - initially developed for the PSNI eastern division only - is being rolled out in the North West.

Answering a query on the security situation in the Stormont Assembly Roads Minister Conor Murphy gave details of the new protocols and said he would have no problem co-operating with the Chief Constable Matt Baggott over transport concerns.

He said the situation in Londonderry was particularly pressing as there are only two bridges uniting the Cityside and the Waterside, with Lifford the nearest alternative route from the west bank to the east bank.

He commented: “I have no issues about engaging with the Chief Constable. Even though the protocols are operational, established and working, there are only two crossings over the Foyle river in that area, so if one or both of the bridges is closed, there will inevitably be disruption.

“I am not sure what a meeting with the Chief Constable could do to change that. As I say, joint protocols were specifically developed for the eastern division, where there has been some disruption.

“Those protocols are being rolled out across the roads network. The north-west and Derry will obviously be included in that. The protocols will build on the good practice that has been learnt from those developed in this part of the North over the past two years.

“If people feel, for some reason, that a meeting between me and the Chief Constable is necessary to improve the situation, I am more

than happy to take part. However, it has been Roads Service’s experience that the protocols have worked quite well.”

The eastern division joint protocol was originally drawn up for major critical incidents declared by the PSNI and deals with communication between Roads Service and PSNI command and control.

It also involves liaison with support services and a joint information strategy. The protocol has been in existence for two years and has been “updated in light of lessons learned during that period.”

Said Mr Murphy: “Work is also under way between Roads Service and the PSNI to produce an equivalent joint protocol for the whole of the strategic roads network. That should be completed by autumn of this year.”