EVERY time someone commits suicide it seems to throw the entire transport network into complete chaos.

Only someone who finds themselves in such a dark place that they can actively consider suicide can possibly comprehend the real horror of the situation, and I wouldn’t seek to belittle this in any way.

But, whenever someone jumps from a motorway bridge, particularly the Dartford Crossing, or leaps in front of a train, particularly a fast-moving one at a station, the disruption for thousands of people is intolerable.

Clearly anyone considering such an action is way beyond the point of considering the repercussions their actions will have upon others. But, something obviously has to be done. Most right-minded people, for example, recognise the legitimacy of a clinic in Switzerland and would welcome a time when our own Government displays a similarly enlightened attitude.

But, are we ready to recognise people’s right to commit suicide? Would any attempt to help such people take their own lives and, at the same time, eliminate the impact their actions have upon thousands of others, be considered a step too far?

Creating some sort of ‘safe’ jump zone where others wouldn’t be so badly affected (apart from trained professionals who do an amazing job clearing up the mess) presumably isn’t going to happen, but a clinic with a more liberal attitude and group of understanding staff would surely be the next-best thing for a caring society.

The first point of call, however, should always be to the most excellent organisation in this field, the Samaritans.