Level crossing regulations

[whole diary]

[James Vertigan]

Are there certain regulations that level crossings have to meet these days?

I'm not talking safety-wise like which crossings should have half barriers and which shouldn't have them, but the actual equipment at level crossings.

For example, many level crossings have telephones nearby to contact the signal operators, but my local one, Acton Central, does not.

Also, I know the majority of crossings now have warning lights with the red/white borders around them (I remember when Acton Central's were replaced after the barriers became worn out due to so many people leaping over them!) but while looking at Google Street View, I found one, at Hutton Cranswick (East Yorkshire) which still has the old style lights: http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9072/hutcran.jpg - so do all level crossings not have to have the new style lights?

[John R]

Is it just me or doesn't that link work?

[James Vertigan]

Oops - sorry John - didn't copy & paste it correctly - it should now work

[Electric train]

Is there a Signal Box near to Acton Central crossing, long time since I have been in that area, if there is then no need for a phone as the signaler is on hand and can see the crossing.

As for replacing lights and other upgrades, there will be an agreement between NR^» (Network Rail - home page) and ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) on the priority to do any such work

[John R]

Indeed it does.

I have to say, if I passed that LC^▸ (Level Crossing), it wouldn't have even occurred to me that it might not be up to modern standard.

Though to be honest if it's got two flashing red lights and they work, I would suggest that they are fit for purpose. Sometimes we go a bit over the top in these matters when drivers should just know the rules and abide by them.

As a slight digression, another thing that irritates me is signs that tell you not to enter a box junction unless the exit is clear (eg M5 Cribbs Causeway.) Why do you need a sign to explain what the box junction means? You should know. If you follow that logic there would be a sign under each speed limit sign saying, "Do not exceed XXmph." It still wouldn't stop people ignoring them.

[James Vertigan]

Is there a Signal Box near to Acton Central crossing, long time since I have been in that area, if there is then no need for a phone as the signaler is on hand and can see the crossing.

As for replacing lights and other upgrades, there will be an agreement between NR^» (Network Rail - home page) and ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) on the priority to do any such work

There used to be, a long time ago! I think it's controlled via computer from a portakabin now, although I think there must be some sort of camera/sensor on the crossing as I think the barriers don't come down until the crossing is clear of pedestrians/vehicles.

[Hafren]

There used to be, a long time ago! I think it's controlled via computer from a portakabin now, although I think there must be some sort of camera/sensor on the crossing as I think the barriers don't come down until the crossing is clear of pedestrians/vehicles.

The Sectional Appendix confirms it's a CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) crossing. The signal box is at Bollo Lane, between South Acton and Gunnersbury.

[James Vertigan]

Lucky you, having access to that information! Wish I could, but I am merely a commuter!

[Hafren]

It's freely available on the Network Rail website Or at least, it was when I last bothered to download it. Often very useful when reading threads like this to find out more about the location!

AHB (automatic half barrier) crossings are not monitored, and will therefore half phones - along with half barriers to enable vehicles to escape. If there are full barriers, that suggests it's either visible from the controlling box, directly or by CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision), or traincrew operated on some rural/freight lines.

[Chris from Nailsea]

The National Electronic Sectional Appendix is available on subscription (free, but you need to register) on the Network Rail website. 

[James Vertigan]

It's freely available on the Network Rail website Or at least, it was when I last bothered to download it. Often very useful when reading threads like this to find out more about the location!

Is it? I tried Googling it and found the page Chris linked to above, and from what I understand from the requirements it looks like you might need to be a member of Network Rail staff or work for a TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) to access it - unless someone can prove me wrong.

[Hafren]

Section A, i.e. the track diagrams with various details, is (or was about a year ago) available for each region under the heading of something like 'route capability'. Not the full sectional appendix, but a useful reference.

[Hafren]

I think I originally found a link to them on this forum. Here's another one - it took a few attempts at searching to find it!

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\Baseline%20Capability\Track%20and%20route%20mileage,%20Permissible%20line%20speeds&pageid=5523&root=

I don't think the documents contain bookmarks, so it takes a bit of trial and error to find routes; there's probably a list of route numbers out there somewhere. If you're looking for Acton Central, it turned out to be in Anglia region!

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) press release:

BUS DRIVER DISQUALIFIED FROM THE ROAD AFTER SMASHING LEVEL CROSSING BARRIER ^ ACTON

A bus driver who smashed the barrier at a level crossing on Bollo Lane, Acton, has been disqualified from driving for 12-months following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Robel Emagnu (38) of Abbey Road, London, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 1 April, after pleading not guilty to dangerous driving and failing to report a road traffic collision. Emagnu was also given a four-month prison sentence - suspended for 12 months - and 80 hours of community service.

The court heard the incident took place just after 3.45pm on Thursday, 1 July 2010, as Emagnu approached the level crossing on Bollo Lane, W3 in the bus, which was carrying approximately 20 passengers.

Despite the warning lights flashing as the barriers began to descend, Emagnu drove through the crossing, causing the barrier to smash the rear window of the bus, showering a passenger with glass.

The incident was witnessed on CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) cameras by the crossing signalman who notified police.

Onboard CCTV seized from the bus clearly identified Emagnu as the driver, as well as giving a clear image of the bus on approach to the crossing while the warning lights were flashing.

Emagnu was identified with the help of the bus company and summonsed to appear at court.

Sergeant Malcolm McCulloch, the investigating officer, said: ^Emagnu^s actions were reckless and dangerous, not least considering he was responsible for the safety of passengers on the bus. His sentencing is a salutary lesson to us whilst driving. We are working closely with Network Rail to improve peoples^ knowledge and take action against those who continue to misuse crossings. Level crossings, and other crossings where road, footpaths and rail cross, are designed to keep people safe. And, when used correctly, that is exactly what they do.

^However, drivers who willingly flout the law and place themselves and others in danger should be in no doubt that if caught doing so, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.^

[SandTEngineer]

Are there certain regulations that level crossings have to meet these days?

Try here http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/rspg-2e-levxngs.pdf