The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, unfolded on Kirkgate in Leeds city centre on December 6th. Two police officers on patrol found themselves in an unexpected predicament when the electric security bollards they were driving over malfunctioned, abruptly rising and lifting their patrol car several feet into the air. The white Peugeot, containing the two hapless officers, became stranded, suspended precariously above the street. The scene quickly drew the attention of shoppers and passersby, many of whom found the situation amusing, capturing the incident on their phones and sharing it on social media. The officers, unable to lower the vehicle themselves, were forced to exit the car and wait for council engineers to arrive and rectify the bollard malfunction.
This incident echoes a similar event that occurred in the same area of Leeds city centre three years prior. In that instance, another police vehicle fell victim to the unpredictable bollards, becoming stuck as they rose unexpectedly. The recurring nature of these malfunctions raises questions about the maintenance and reliability of the bollard system in this particular location. The frequency of these incidents suggests a potential systemic issue that requires thorough investigation and resolution to prevent further occurrences.
West Yorkshire Police, in their official statement regarding the December 6th incident, confirmed that the officers involved were unharmed. The statement explained that the bollards had initially been lowered to allow the patrol car to pass, but then malfunctioned, rising while the vehicle was still traversing them. The police car sustained damage and was subsequently recovered for repairs. The responsibility for the faulty bollards falls under the jurisdiction of Leeds City Council, to whom the police reported the incident.
The video footage of the incident, widely shared on social media platforms, depicts the patrol car perched awkwardly on the raised bollards, drawing laughter and commentary from onlookers. The comical nature of the situation, with the police vehicle seemingly levitating in mid-air, provided an unexpected source of amusement for many. However, beyond the humorous element, the incident highlights the importance of ensuring the proper functionality and regular maintenance of public infrastructure, particularly security features like these bollards, to prevent both inconvenience and potential harm.
The recurring nature of this issue in the same area of Leeds city centre raises concerns about the effectiveness and safety of the bollard system. It necessitates a comprehensive review by Leeds City Council to identify the root cause of these malfunctions and implement appropriate solutions. This could involve a thorough inspection of the bollards, upgrades to the system’s mechanics, or enhanced maintenance procedures to ensure their reliable operation. Preventing future incidents is crucial not only to avoid the disruption and potential damage to vehicles, but also to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians in the area.
While this particular incident resulted in no injuries and primarily served as a source of amusement, it underscores a potentially more serious underlying issue. Malfunctioning security bollards can pose a significant hazard, causing damage to vehicles, obstructing traffic flow, and potentially even leading to injuries if they malfunction unexpectedly. Leeds City Council’s response to this incident, and their subsequent actions to address the recurring problem, will be crucial in restoring public confidence in the safety and reliability of the city’s infrastructure.
