BridgeBuddy

Last updated: February 2026Overview
BridgeBuddy is designed with your privacy in mind. We collect minimal data necessary to provide bridge height warnings and route planning for tall vehicles. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
Information We Collect
Location Data
We use your device's location services to find bridges near your route and provide navigation. Location data is processed on-device and is not stored on our servers.
Vehicle Profiles
Vehicle dimensions (height, width, weight) you enter are stored locally on your device using on-device storage. This data never leaves your device.
Community Reports
When you submit a bridge report, we collect: bridge name, road name, reported height, GPS coordinates, optional notes, and an anonymous device identifier. No personal information such as your name or email is collected.
Anonymous Device Identifier
A randomly generated ID is stored on your device to associate community reports. This ID cannot be used to identify you personally.
How We Use Your Information
Route Planning
Location data is used in real-time to calculate routes and identify low bridges along your path.
Bridge Database
Community reports are shared with all BridgeBuddy users to improve bridge data accuracy and coverage.
Service Improvement
Aggregated, anonymous usage patterns may be used to improve the app experience.
Third-Party Services
BridgeBuddy uses the following third-party services to provide bridge and mapping data:
OpenStreetMap (Overpass API) — open-source map data
Transport for London (TfL) API — London bridge data
National Highways API — road disruption data
Apple MapKit — maps and location search
These services may receive location coordinates as part of API requests. Please refer to their respective privacy policies for details.
Data Storage & Security
Vehicle profiles and cached bridge data are stored locally on your device. Community bridge reports are stored on our secure servers. We do not collect, store, or have access to any personally identifiable information. All network communication uses HTTPS encryption.
Data Retention
Local data remains on your device until you delete the app. Community reports are retained on our servers to maintain the shared bridge database. Since reports contain no personal information, they cannot be linked back to you.
Children's Privacy
BridgeBuddy is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children.
Your Rights
You can:
Delete your vehicle profiles at any time within the app
Clear cached bridge data by reinstalling the app
Disable location services for BridgeBuddy in iOS Settings
Choose not to submit community reports
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected in the app with an updated revision date.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please reach out via the Support section in the app.
Support
We're here to help you navigate safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the bridge height data?
BridgeBuddy combines data from multiple official sources including Network Rail, Transport for London, OpenStreetMap, and National Highways. Heights are cross-referenced for accuracy. Community reports supplement official data and are clearly marked. Always exercise caution and observe physical signage at bridges.
How do I set up my vehicle profile?
Tap the Vehicles tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap the + button to add a new vehicle. Enter your vehicle's name, height, width, and weight. Make sure to set one vehicle as active — this is used for bridge clearance warnings on your routes.
What does the warning icon on a bridge mean?
A red warning means your active vehicle's height meets or exceeds the bridge clearance — you should not pass under that bridge. An orange warning means your vehicle is close to the height limit. A green indicator means you have comfortable clearance.
How do community reports work?
Any user can report a new bridge or suggest a height correction for an existing bridge. Reports are shared with all BridgeBuddy users. You can upvote reports to help verify accuracy. Reports are tagged as 'Community Reported' so you can distinguish them from official data.
Why can't I see any bridges on my route?
Make sure you have an internet connection — BridgeBuddy fetches live bridge data from multiple sources. Also check that your start and end locations are set correctly. Bridge data coverage is most comprehensive in the UK.
Does BridgeBuddy work offline?
Previously viewed bridges are cached on your device, so you may see some bridge data offline. However, route planning and fetching new bridge data requires an internet connection.
How do I report an incorrect bridge height?
Go to the Reports tab, tap 'Report a Bridge', and select 'Height Update' or 'Correction' as the report type. Enter the correct height and any additional notes. Your report will be shared with all users.
Is my data private?
Yes. Vehicle profiles are stored only on your device. Community reports contain no personal information — only bridge details and an anonymous device ID. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Can I delete my data?
Vehicle profiles can be deleted from the Vehicles tab. All local data is removed when you uninstall the app. Community reports you've submitted remain in the shared database but contain no personally identifiable information.
Safety Disclaimer
BridgeBuddy is a planning aid and should not be relied upon as your sole source of bridge height information. Bridge clearances can change due to road resurfacing, weather conditions, and other factors. Always observe physical height restriction signs and use your own judgement when approaching low bridges.
If you have any questions, please contact our team at [email protected]