UPDATE: Wilmington AHB

A verdict of suicide was recorded at the inquest into the death of Alison McCloskey at the Wilmington AHB crossing earlier this year.

Eastbourne Today: http://tinyurl.com/n5fau

PROSECUTION: Carnaby AHB

More drivers are prosecuted for running the red lights at this continually-abused crossing.

Comment - I really do hope that the next report I have of this crossing is about an upgrade and not a fatality. When hundreds of drivers flout the law, something surely needs to be done.

Driffield Today: http://tinyurl.com/r7pcc

PROSECUTION: Laundry Lane AOC, Cherry Hinton

A van driver was fined £300, told to pay £35 costs and given three points after admitting he drove onto the crossing in Cambridge against the warning lights. John Argyle was able to reverse off the crossing as an oncoming train sounded its horn. With the train approaching at 5mph, its driver was able to take the registration number of the offending vehicle.

Cambridge Evening News: http://tinyurl.com/k59xy

CAMPAIGN: Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Railways have launched a campaign aimed at reducing driver abuse of level crossings.

The 'Don't Cross the Line' television and radio adverts seek to educate road users about the dangers of running the lights at crossings. In 2005, 32 drivers were prosecuted for crossing misuse.











Driver seconds away from collision with oncoming train
Photo - Translink.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/f5xbu
NI Railways: http://tinyurl.com/rmw75

CLOSURE: Beddingham AHB

A bridge is to replace the oft-abused Beddingham AHB where the A27 crosses the Lewes to Eastbourne line. Work is set to begin later this year with the flyover hopefully open towards the end of 2007.















That was then.... (photo: Department of Transport)















.. this is now (photo: Jason Morgan, http://jasonmorgan.fotopic.net/)



BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/fuht2

INCIDENT: Chichester MCB

A woman was hit by a descending barrier at the MCB crossing next to Chichester station.

Reports suggest that Olga Wilkins was part-way across when the warning and closure sequence was initiated.

She was pulled clear of the line by a passer-by.

Chichester Today: http://tinyurl.com/l5dou

INCIDENT: Navigation Road MCB CCTV 04/08/06

A car crashed into the barriers at the Navigation Road crossing in Manchester. It resulted in severe traffic delays but no known injuries.

Network Rail recently identified this crossing as the second most abused crossing in the North London - Midlands - North West region.


Manchester Evening News: http://tinyurl.com/kgc58