The notorious retractable barrier at the top of Wood Street in Liverpool has claimed another unsuspecting motorist, sparking frustration among drivers and locals alike. The driver who shared the photo reported that the car was stuck on the barrier. While the full extent of the damage is unknown, she added, “It doesn’t look good.”
In the latest incident, a Sefton-plated private hire Toyota Prius became the latest casualty of what many now dub “The Barrier of Doom.” The vehicle was spotted stranded above the half-raised bollard, its undercarriage reportedly ripped apart in the process.
The barriers, which are designed to allow access only to authorised vehicles, operate on a timed retractable mechanism. However, drivers attempting to sneak in behind a vehicle with access often learn the hard way that the system is unforgiving. As the permitted vehicle passes through, the bollard swiftly rises—catching any tailgaters in the act and causing significant damage.
“The barrier only opens for the chosen few,” one local joked online, “and if you’re not one of them, it’ll chew your car up without hesitation.”
Social media was quick to react, with images of the stricken Prius circulating widely. Comments ranged from sympathetic sighs to tongue-in-cheek memes. Others again called for clearer signage or better enforcement to prevent further incidents.
This is far from the first time the Wood Street barrier has made headlines. Over the years, numerous vehicles—from delivery vans to luxury cars—have met their match at the rising column, prompting many to brand it a “Liverpool landmark of destruction.”
City authorities have yet to comment on the latest incident, though many residents believe it’s time to reassess either the barrier’s design or the public’s understanding of it.
In the meantime, the barrier remains in place—waiting, watching, and ready to rise again.
