Colchester Bridge Incident Sparks Calls for Improved Safety Measures

Last week, on August 7th, 2025, police were called to the A12 highway in Colchester after a woman was reported on a bridge near Junction 28. The incident caused significant traffic chaos, with the A12 gridlocked and surrounding roads also affected.

Officers were able to bring the woman to safety around 6 pm that day. However, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and residents are now calling for better safety measures to be implemented.

Colchester resident Edafe Capner expressed his disappointment, stating that the harsh reality is that many people in the community are struggling with their mental health. He believes that taking steps to keep the bridge safe, even if small, is a start. Another resident, Wayne Boughton, suggested that all bridges should have high, anti-climb fences or cages to prevent such issues.

Councilor Sara Naylor, who represents the Lexden and Braiswick ward where the incident took place, is now calling for a summit to address the problem. She wants to ensure that vulnerable people receive the care they need before reaching a crisis point, and is seeking to bring together emergency services, National Highways, local councils, and members of parliament to consider practical and effective solutions.

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin has voiced his support for Naylor's plan, stating that there must be better solutions than "piecemeal changes" that may only move the issue to another nearby bridge. He emphasized the need to keep the roads free from disruption for local residents while also recognizing the importance of providing care and support for those in crisis.