Bridge operation staff began recording breach numbers from March after noticing incidents were becoming more frequent.
Breaches are recorded manually by staff in the bridge control tower and then checked against CCTV.
Recording of breaches began in March after staff noticed they were becoming more frequent.
On Friday June 20 there were two breaches in one day.
A van raced through and collided with the barrier, leaving it inoperable and needing urgent repairs to prevent disruption to both road and maritime traffic.
Fortunately, a temporary fix was able to be implemented, avoiding the need to close the bridge to either highway or maritime traffic while awaiting the delivery of replacement parts for a permanent repair. The council is now pursuing a claim for the costs of the immediate, temporary repair and a new replacement barrier against the company that owned the van.
Later that day a private car also raced through, this time without incident.
The most recent breach, which involved a van narrowly avoiding the barrier, occurred on Wednesday July 17.
Ben Cook, Head of Contract Management and Commissioning for Suffolk County Council said:
“Staff have recorded 112 breaches of red lights between March and July 2025 alone following the opening of the bridge in September 2024.
“The majority of incidents occur between 6:30am and 3pm, often involving multiple vehicles tailgating through after the initial breach.
“While the numbers of red-light breaches remain relatively low, any instance of poor driver behaviour poses a risk to both safety and bridge operation.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and urge all motorists to respect the warning lights and drive responsibly or they may be subject to further action.”
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Operational Highways, said:
“Any red traffic warning light is there for a reason and to gamble on racing through them just to avoid a few minutes wait is highly irresponsible.
“I would appeal to anyone who thinks it is OK to jump a red light to think again - treat these lights as you would the barriers on a railway level crossing, as a measure that is there for your safety and the safety of others.”
Under the Highway Code, flashing red lights are used at locations such as lifting bridges, level crossings, and airfields, and motorists MUST stop.
Failure to do so can result in penalty points on your driving licence, lead to a fine or, in serious cases, especially if it leads to an accident or endangers others, could result in disqualification or even criminal charges.
No legal action for the Gull Wing infringements have been issued yet, but bridge bosses are now considering introducing tougher measures that could include installing ANPR cameras.
The Gull Wing bridge spans Lake Lothing and opened to the public on September 7, 2024, being officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal on November 19.
Costing around £146 million the bridge, delivered by Suffolk County Council with Farrans Construction as the main contractor, has significantly reduced congestion and improved connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the town.
Spanning 345 meters in total, the bridge features a main bascule span that is 39.5 meters long, 22 meters wide, and 35 meters tall.
When raised it can accommodate marine vessels up to 32 meters wide.
