The Barbados Light & Power Company (BL& P) is calling for strict adherence to vehicle height regulations in the wake of an increase in highreaching trucks pulling down power lines.
The Ministry of Transport and Works stipulates that overhead wires crossing roadways must maintain a minimum clearance of 16 feet. This height requirement is essential to ensure the safe passage of vehicles and their cargo.
Unfortunately, many vehicles, particularly those equipped with booms or extended loads, have been found in violation of this standard.
Recent reports indicate that a troubling number of telecommunications wires have sagged below this threshold, creating hazardous conditions. In addition, there have been instances where vehicles transporting materials exceeded the height limit, leading to dangerous encounters with overhead power lines. Low service entrances at residential properties have also contributed to escalating concerns.
While officials have noted a recurring pattern of high-reaching vehicle incidents, they said such accidents have always been part of the landscape of public infrastructure challenges. The rise in frequency has been significant in recent months, prompting the utility company to launch a public safety campaign targeting businesses with frequent violations.
“This has always been a challenge over the years. However, last year, it was more significant for high-reaching vehicles and as a result, the company embarked on a public safety programme, particularly geared towards those companies with repeat accidents,” said Cassandra Crawford, communications advisor at BL& P.
“As it relates to the general public, this can be viewed similar to that of road accidents. The number of vehicle accidents [is] usually higher than those of high-reaching vehicles but the impact is greater for high-reaching vehicles as these are usually associated with downed power lines and longer restoration periods.”
The immediate risks associated with downed lines include not only power outages but also the danger posed to residents and drivers
who may unknowingly come into contact with the wires. Experts urge individuals to maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from downed wires, presuming them to be live until cleared by the utility company personnel.
“Residents should remain vigilant and cautious,” Crawford said. “If you see a line down, assume it’s live and call our emergency number.”
In the wake of such incidents, the restoration of power depends on various factors, including the extent of damage and the type of outage experienced. BL& P says it prioritises downed lines to restore essential services swiftly.
“Our protocols for handling these emergencies are stringent. We treat downed lines as Priority 1 incidents, isolating energised lines promptly to ensure safety before repairs commence,” Crawford stated.
In terms of restoration priorities, essential services such as hospitals, police stations, pumping stations and governmental offices are addressed first.
Just last month, Station Hill, St Michael was blocked for several hours after a third party, transporting high-reaching equipment, made contact with electricity lines, destabilising a pole and disconnecting some power and telecoms lines. The BL& P crew on site had to stabilise the pole and reconnect the lines which took several hours to complete in order to restore power.
BL& P stated that following an incident involving a vehicle that damages infrastructure, the company collects relevant evidence and tracks repair costs. If a third party is determined to be at fault, the company follows a structured process to invoice those responsible through their insurance representatives. (NS)
