Three Bristol harbourside locations identified for better barriers to stop people falling in water
Three Harbourside locations have been identified for potential spots where better barriers could stop people falling in the water.
A safety review has been taking place about Bristol’s harbour highlighting the hazards of people slipping or tripping on the water’s edge.
Bristol City Council launched the review after a policeman from South Wales drowned on a night out last November. The death of PC Rehaan Akhtar, from Llanelli, prompted calls for better safety measures and a petition was signed by more than 1,700 people.
New barriers could now be installed at Mud Dock, Redcliffe Wharf and the Amphitheatre, as these spots have relatively little protection in place. An update will be given to councillors on the harbour committee on Tuesday, September 15.
A committee report said: “Initial site observations have also identified opportunities for early improvements, including barrier enhancements at locations such as Mud Dock, Redcliffe Wharf and the Amphitheatre, and the introduction of a programme for clearer identification of emergency escape ladders.”
While there are ladders on the harbour walls, these can be virtually impossible to see in the middle of the night. Targeted measures could include improved lighting, signage and providing more ways to get out of the water in an emergency.
The review recognises that some risk is “inherent within an open, historic and operational harbour” environment. Fall risks will be balanced against the need for operational access. A work programme is now being drawn up, but few details are available on when the barriers would be installed.
The safety review followed feedback from the coroner after the policeman died. However a harbour boss previously said that putting railings all around the water’s edge would cause the area to “lose its identity and appeal”. A lot of the harbour is already surrounded by railings, but these have gaps and are easy to climb over.