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CND accused Britain’s regular cross-country nuclear weapons convoys of “playing fast and loose” with public safety, after the Ministry of Defence admitted 40 safety incidents on British roads over a three year period. The figures were revealed after a freedom of information request by The Ferret, and include short summaries of the incidents which took place in the years 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The convoys can include up to 20 vehicles at a time and use varying routes along Britain’s road network and through urban areas. They regularly ferry nuclear warheads for maintenance between the Royal Navy’s nuclear depot at Coulport in Scotland and the nuclear weapons factory in Burghfield, Berkshire. Trips are made at least six times a year.
On two occasions, vehicles within the convoy were involved in road accidents. On five other occasions, accidents by separate vehicles caused delays to the convoy. Additional safety incidents included breakdowns, issues with vehicle brakes or power, and staff shortages due to Covid.
The convoys were also impacted by oil spillages, lorry fires, road closures, roadworks and the actions of other drivers. On one occasion “an erratic driver” tried to interfere with the convoy while on another occasion, a road had to be closed after police stopped a driver for using his mobile phone and later fled the scene.
Read The Ferret’s full story here.
Image credit: Nukewatch UK
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