The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released its report into safety at user worked level crossings.
User worked level crossings are located where railways intersect with private roads or minor public roads, and require road users to operate gates or barriers themselves when crossing the railway.
A full copy of the report is available here
Summary
The RAIB investigation used data from a series of accidents and incidents which occurred at user worked level crossings between June 2006 and December 2008, and other information on crossing use, research programmes and current initiatives gathered by the RAIB from level crossing operators, train operators, and crossing users. The report looks at possible measures to reduce the risk at user worked level crossings.
Recommendations
As a consequence of this investigation, the RAIB has made a submission to the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission in connection with their current joint project to review the law relating to level crossings. These propose changes to the law in connection with:
- consultation on planning applications which may affect level crossings
- rights of way over private crossings
- protection measures for level crossings
- duties of crossing users
- the mechanism for permanent closure of crossings
The RAIB has also made eight recommendations, which are targeted at Network Rail, Northern Ireland Railways, the Heritage Railway Association, and the Department for Transport, covering the following areas:
- involvement of the crossing user in the preparation of risk assessments
- additional factors that should be included in risk assessments
- marking of the point from which a decision to cross should be made
- improved protection at crossings where adequate sighting is not achievable
- closure of crossings not adequately protected
- assessment of alternative methods of crossing protection
- review of the requirements for signs at crossings
Notes to editors
1. At some user worked level crossings there is no additional equipment to warn of approaching trains, and the user has to look, listen and decide for themselves whether it is safe to cross. In other cases there are telephones and/or warning lights provided to give information on the whereabouts of trains.
2. During the investigation the RAIB consulted with: the Office of Rail Regulation; the Rail Safety & Standards Board; Network Rail; the Heritage Railway Association; the Department for Transport; the Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland); Northern Ireland Railways; the Law Commission; and the Scottish Law Commission.
3. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. The RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
4. For media enquiries, please call 020 7944 3248.
Newsdate: 3 June 2009
