Bridge jumping an 'idiotic practice'

11:00am Tuesday 8th July 2008

POLICE and local authorities have united in a bid to stop the summer madness of people jumping off Wallingford Bridge into the River Thames.

The police, Wallingford Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council warned young people ready to throw themselves off the bridge into the river during hot weather that they could kill themselves.

Everyone is very concerned that there could be serious or fatal injuries from this idiotic practice

Mark Bradfield, of Thames Valley Police

The police also warned there would be on-the-spot fines for people caught throwing things at boats and intimidating the public from the bridge and riverside.

Bridge jumping constantly prompts pleas for people to be more sensible.

Mark Bradfield, for Thames Valley Police, said: "Everyone is very concerned that there could be serious or fatal injuries from this idiotic practice.

"There are often bikes, trolleys and other objects in the river that people could land on, the river is high at the moment and the currents are strong, and there are boats passing through the bridge all the time.

"Alcohol is often a factor and that reduces people's ability to weigh up risks properly and certainly increases the risk of drowning.

"We are appealing to people to be sensible and not risk serious injury."

"We have had incidents of things being thrown at the boats and of abuse from people on the riverbank - the police will deal with these very forcibly."

Deputy mayor Dee Cripps appealed for people to stop bridge jumping and South Oxfordshire District Council safety officer Hillary Green backed the plea.

Ms Cripps said: "We are trying to attract more tourists to Wallingford and many come in via the river.

"This sort of behaviour does nothing to enhance Wallingford's reputation."