Level Crossing News

The End Of The Line

2010-08-26T20:41:00.000+01:00

It's time to draw Level Crossing News to a close. I no longer have the time to keep the site up-to-date, which rather defeats its purpose. I'll keep the site posted for reference purposes but won't be able to answer emails or post comments.

2010 has been a testing time for level crossing safety in the UK. Incidents such as Moreton-on-Lugg and Little Cornard show that there are still huge steps to be taken in risk reduction by both the rail industry and the general public.

My walk to work takes me across one of the most abused crossings in England, the CCTV full-barrier crossing at Spondon in Derbyshire. I see an average of four instances a week of motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians ignoring the lights. In recent weeks, with local road works diverting more traffic over the crossing, there have been several incidents involving road vehicles striking the barriers. The arrogance and ignorance on display never ceases to amaze me.

To keep up-to-date with level crossing news from around the world, I strongly recommend visiting the excellent sites run by John Tilly and Dr Unbewachter von Eisenbahn-Übergang. It's also well worth subscribing to the Google Alerts service for level/railway crossing related news and blog updates.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Simon Johnson
www.levelcrossingnews.blogspot.com
August 2010

INCIDENT: Little Cornard UWC+T, Suffolk 17/08/10

2010-08-18T07:16:00.000+01:00

A passenger train and a tanker collided on a user-worked crossing in Suffolk.

The two-car National Express East Anglia service from Sudbury to Marks Tey collided with a sewage tanker on the crossing which serves Anglian Water's Shalford Meadow waste treatment plant. Twenty-one injuries, some critical, were reported amongst the train crew and passengers. The train derailed but stayed upright.

The lorry driver, who was not injured, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Network Rail are reported as saying that they received no calls to authorise use of the crossing prior to the incident.

Photo - Daily Telegraph via albanpix.com

INCIDENT: Waterloo Road AHB, Wokingham, Berkshire 06.03.10

2010-04-19T15:56:00.001+01:00

A car driver died when his car was hit by a train on a Berkshire level crossing.

David Francis Brown died at the scene after his Vauxhall Corsa was struck by a passenger train at the Waterloo Road automatic half-barrier crossing. No casualties were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Photo (c) Alan WD on Panoramio

ABUSE: Wem MCB, Shropshire

2010-04-19T15:38:00.000+01:00

Drivers continue to run the red lights at a Shropshire crossing, despite a safety campaign that highlighted the dangers.

Since August 2009 over fifty drivers have been prosecuted for failing to stop at the crossing in Wem, making it the sixth-most abused crossing in the UK.

CCTV footage of drivers running the lights can be seen here.

INCIDENT: Hoy AOCL 09.01.10

2010-04-19T15:20:00.002+01:00

A van struck the side of a passenger train at an automatic open crossing at Hoy, near Halkirk in Scotland.

British Transport Police reported that the van driver attempted to brake but hit the rear coach of the Inverness to Wick service. He was taken to Caithness General Hospital in Wick with a wrist injury. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

National Rail stated that the crossing was working correctly at the time on the incident. British Transport Police said they had charged the van driver with a road traffic offence in connection with the accident. Train driver's union Aslef claim that the severity of the incident was mitigated as a result of their 'go-slow' policy - instructing drivers to reduce speed at AOCLs after a series of accidents in recent months.

Photo (c) Phil Williams on Geograph

INCIDENT: Moreton-on-Lugg MCB, Herefordshire 16/01/10

2010-01-18T12:06:00.005Z

**updated 21/01/10*

A woman died and a man was seriously injured when a passenger train struck a car on a barrier crossing in Herefordshire. A second car was also involved in the incident.

Jane Harding died after being airlifted to hospital from the scene of the accident at Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereforshire.

Some passengers and crew of the Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven service were treated for shock. The train did not derail.

The crossing is controlled by a nearby signal box. It has been reported that the barriers were raised at the time of the incident. A statement from British Transport Police noted that "a thorough safety check of the level crossing was undertaken on Sunday and it was found to be in working order."

Police and Network Rail continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have launched an
investigation and have so far determined that there is "no evidence that the actions of the motorists or the driving of the train contributed to the accident".

In a statement released on 21st January, Network Rail say they have issued a "full and complete apology" to Jane Harding's family, saying that they consider the accident "is most likely to have been due in some way to Network Rail".

Photo (c) BBC

VIDEO: Langley Green MCB CCTV

2010-01-14T21:32:00.002Z

Network Rail have released CCTV footage of pedestrians jumping the barriers at an oft-abused crossing in the West Midlands.

Langley Green is often the focus of campaigns against crossing abuse, as reported here last year.

INCIDENT: Hagg Lane AHB, Yorkshire 05/01/10

2010-01-05T20:25:00.003Z

A car collided with a passenger train at an automatic half-barrier crossing in Yorkshire.

It is believed that the driver's car skidded on snow onto the Hagg Lane crossing near South Duffield, North Yorkshire. The driver of the Hull to Manchester train had seen the car obstruct the crossing and applied the emergency brake. The car driver was able to exit the car before the low-speed collision occurred. No injuries were reported and the train did not derail.

Photo (c) Paul Glazzard at Geograph

Level Crossing News in 2010

2010-01-02T17:16:00.003Z

Technology gremlins and ill health conspired against regular updates to the site in late 2009. Both are sorted for 2010; we're playing catchup with some important reports from last year, they'll fill in throughout January.

Once we're up to date, you can expect a monthly update of information collated from local and national news channels as well as out correspondents and official RSSB /RAIB reports.

We're hoping that in 2010 we'll have more time to report on legislation and technology. We're also hoping that they'll be fewer incidents, fatal or otherwise, to report on.

Here's to a safe 2010.

INCIDENT: Chawston FC, 29/12/09

2009-12-30T12:37:00.001Z

A man was seriously injured after being hit on a footpath crossing in Worcestershire.

It is understood that the man was crossing the line with a friend at Chawson, Droitwich Spa, when he was struck by a Hereford to Birmingham New Street passenger service. He suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital for further treatment. No injuries were reported on the train.

In 1999, former local councillor John Cook campaigned for safety improvements at the crossing. Bolted gates were introduced, although Mr Cook claims the bolts were subsequently stolen.

The RAIB are carrying out an investigation.

Photo (c) John Anyon at Worcester News

INCIDENT: Tunstead AHB, Norfolk 10/12/09

2009-12-11T12:22:00.001Z

A man was seriously injured when his car was struck by a train on an automatic half-barrier crossing in Norfolk.

Robert Trotter was impaled through the legs by a wooden fence following the collision between his vehicle and the 0854 North Walsham to Norwich service. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

BBC Look East report: (Youtube)

Photo (c) North Norfolk News

ORR update 04/12/09

2009-12-04T13:07:00.000Z

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has outlined a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the risks of accidents at level crossings.

These include:

- supporting the update of level crossing legislation
- lobbying for an increase to suggested penalties for level crossing misuse by motorists;
- publication of revised guidance on level crossings
- inspection of all 128 automatic open level crossings (AOCLs) during 2010 to ensure that risks are properly managed

Bill Emery, ORR chief executive said that safety was their priority. "We are committed to making our regulation of the railways focused and effective," said Mr Emery, "supporting industry with advice and guidance, and enforcing where appropriate".

PROSECUTION: Dalchalm

2009-12-03T13:13:00.001Z

The driver of a refuse lorry struck by a train on a Scottish automatic open crossing has received a driving ban and a fine.

John Smith, of Brora, admitted driving without due care and attention at the Dalchalm crossing in August 2009 (report here). He received a four-month ban and was fined £400.

INCIDENT: Goodens UWC, Cambridgeshire 23/11/09

2009-11-23T12:25:00.000Z

A train struck a tractor on a user-worked crossing between Waterbeach and Chesterton Junction.

The tractor driver had driven onto the crossing, but was unable to reverse off in time. The passenger train caught the tractor with a glancing blow. No injuries were reported to either the tractor driver not the train crew/passengers. The train did not derail.

INCIDENT: Cornton AHB 26/10/09

2009-10-30T13:21:00.000Z

A bus collided with a barrier at an automatic half-barrier crossing in Stirlingshire.

The First Bus service 54 to Bridge of Allan was on the crossing but clear of the rails when it was struck by a descending barrier. No injuries were reported on the bus. Witnesses said that the bus was able to reverse away from underneath the barrier.

Network Rail reported that both the warning lights and barriers were working properly and claimed that the bus failed to stop at the lights.

British Transport Police say that a 61-year-old man will be the subject of a report to the local procurator fiscal in connection with a number of alleged road traffic act offences.

AWARENESS: Wareham

2009-10-11T18:13:00.005+01:00

Police supervision is to be increased at an abused crossing under threat of closure.

Following a review of CCTV evidence at Wareham crossing in Dorset, the Office of Rail Regulation has urged Network Rail and the county council to take immediate action to reduce the high risk of fatality.

Dorset County Council, along with British Transport Police and Network Rail, has agreed to increase police supervision of the crossing to make sure people use it properly.

The Office of Rail Regulation commented that if any further abuse takes place it will use its powers to require immediate closure of the crossing.

Photo (c) Peter Elsdon at Geograph

INCIDENT: Halkirk AOCL, Caithness 29.09.09

2009-10-11T17:44:00.004+01:00

Three people died when their vehicle was struck by a passenger train on an automatic open crossing in Caithness.

Angus MacKay (81), his wife Margaret MacKay (81) and his brother Donald MacKay (66) died when their car was hit on the Halkirk Bridge Street crossing by the 1038 service from Inverness to Wick. No casualties were reported on the train, which did not derail.

A Network Rail spokesman said that an initial investigation showed there was "nothing to suggest that the crossing was not functioning correctly at the time of the collision". The Rail Accident Investigation Board is carrying out an investigation into the incident.

Comment; With AOCLs accounting for only 2% of Network Rail’s crossings, but 31% of all road-rail collisions in the last ten years - including several multiple fatalities - the feasibility of such crossings maintaining their maximum line speed of 55mph ought to be called into question.

BBC News: http://bit.ly/3WwHUf

Photo (c) John Baikie, as reproduced on the BBC website

PROSECUTION: Watlington, Norfolk

2009-09-14T18:17:00.000+01:00

A cyclist has been fined after being caught jumping a lowered barrier on a railway crossing at Watlington.

Officers saw the 22-year-old man, who has not been named, scale the barrier just before a train was due to pass.

The man was issued a £50 fine.

NOT GUILTY: Bathampton

2009-09-10T18:22:00.001+01:00

A driver accused of causing a collision after driving onto a user-worked crossing has been found not guilty.

Bristol Crown Court received information regarding previous operational problems with the crossing at Bathampton. Alan Saunders, 73, was found not guilty of obstructing an engine or carriage using a railway following the incident last year

There have been claims that the white warning light cannot be seen clearly if the sun is shining in a certain position. Network Rail is now planning to close the crossing.

PROSECUTION: Lincoln

2009-09-07T18:23:00.001+01:00

A delivery driver who lost control of his vehicle after zig-zagging around barriers at a Lincoln crossing has been found guilty of dangerous driving.

Andrew Otter swerved around the barriers at the Skellingthorpe crossing near Lincoln in July last year. After striking a car at the crossing, Otter mounted the pavement before driving away. He was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years and 150 hours unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to take his test again.

INCIDENT: Foxcovert Road FP, Cambridgeshire 07.09.09

2009-09-07T17:08:00.000+01:00

A two year old child was killed after he was struck by a passenger train on a footpath crossing in Cambridgeshire.

Reports suggest that the child opened the swing gate to the crossing in Werrington and ran onto the track. He was then hit by a Lincoln to Peterborough passenger train and died instantly.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Recent inspections of the crossing found it to be in good order with good sight lines, spring-loaded gates, clear safety signage and far higher levels of safety than any road crossing with fencing. The crossing met all our safety regulator's requirements for such a crossing."

Local councillors have campaigned in recent years to have the crossing's protection upgraded.

Peterborough Today: http://bit.ly/4igGsT http://bit.ly/LLuXn

Photo (c) Southern Daily Echo

INCIDENT: Penrhyndeudraeth UWC+T, Gwynedd 02.09.09

2009-09-02T19:38:00.000+01:00

A woman died when her vehicle was struck by a locomotive on a user worked crossing in Gwynedd.

Sally Hudson drove onto the Penrhyndeudraeth crossing near her home and was struck by a Class 37 test locomotive on a training run from Machynlleth to Porthmadog. Mrs Hudson died at the scene. None of the loco crew were injured.

It is not known at this time whether Mrs Hudson used the telephone at the crossing to request permission to cross.

Photo (c) Rob Formstone

ABUSE: Langley Green MCB

2009-08-21T20:31:00.005+01:00

Langley Green in the West Midlands is one of the most abused level crossings in the UK, by both motorists and pedestrians. Not surprisingly, it was chosen by the BBC in August as a location for a live news report about railway crime and trespass.

Also not surprisingly, the camera crew caught a pedestrian dodging the barriers as the crossing was closing, as the above still shows.

More photos and details can be found on the Daily Mail website.

Photo (c) BBC

INCIDENT: Bog Hall Farm UWC, Durham 13.08.09

2009-08-13T20:24:00.000+01:00

A motorist was struck by a freight train on a user worked crossing in County Durham.

The unnamed woman was reported to have edged her Mazda out onto the crossing, at Bog Hall near Stillington, to get a clearer view of the track. The vehicle was struck by a Fiddlers Ferry - Middlesbrough freight train operated by Great British Rail Freight. No injuries were reported and the train did not derail.

Comment - this photo was taken in 2006; reports suggest that the crossing is currently gated.

Photo (c) Hugh Mortimer at www.geograph.org.uk

INCIDENT: Cults Mill UWC, Springfield, Fife 08.08.09

2009-08-08T20:23:00.000+01:00

A teenager was killed after being struck by a train on a crossing in Fife, Scotland.

Natalie Mulholland, 16, was hit by a First ScotRail service from Edinburgh to Dundee around 11.30pm. The user-worked crossing is on a private access road to a farm near the village of Springfield. Reports suggest that a group of youths were making their way back to the village over the crossing when the incident occurred.

Photo (c) thescottishsun.co.uk

INCIDENT: Dalchalm AOCL, Sutherland 07.08.09

2009-08-07T21:13:00.000+01:00

A refuse lorry and a passenger train collided at an automatic open crossing on Scotland's most incident-prone line.

The rear of a Highland Council refuse lorry was clipped by the 1038 Inverness-Wick passenger train on the Dalchalm crossing near Brora. No injuries were reported and the train did not derail.

Several of the eleven automatic open crossings on the Inverness-Wick line have been the scene of incidents in recent years, including a multiple fatality at Delny in 2007.

Photo (c) The Northern Times

INCIDENT: Fairbourne AOCL, Gwynedd 14.05.09 and 27.06.09

2009-06-28T15:39:00.000+01:00

Two collisions in six weeks occurred at an automatic open crossing next to a station in Wales.

In the first incident on 14th May, a motorist said she was "distracted", ignoring the red light at the Fairbourne crossing and striking a Machynlleth to Pwllheli passenger service. No injuries resulted and the train did not derail. The motorist, Eileen Lawrence, 72, later admitted careless driving and was fined £40 with three penalty points, with £80 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Weeks later in June, another motorist was involved in a collision at the crossing which resulted in her vehicle being pushed onto the station platform. She was airlifted to hospital; no injuries were reported on the train which did not derail. The driver of the Machynlleth to Pwllheli service was also involved in the May incident.

A similar incident at the crossing occurred in 2003. The formal inquiry into that incident recommended that the crossing be upgraded to automatic half-barrier; residents of Fairbourne continue to campaign for such work to be carried out.

Photo (c) SMJ on geograph.org.uk

INCIDENT: Fairfield UWC+MWL, Wiltshire 06.05.09

2009-05-06T15:37:00.000+01:00

A woman and her dog were killed after being struck on a footpath crossing in Wiltshire.

Julia Canning was struck on the Fairfield foot crossing near Little Bedwyn by the 1708 hrs First Great Western service from Newbury to Bedwyn.

It was reported that she had lost control of her dogs and was trying to retrieve them from the line.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation.

NEAR MISSES: Tide Mills UWC

2009-04-23T12:32:00.007+01:00

Network Rail has installed CCTV and additional signage at a crossing which has seen three near misses in a week. Train drivers have had to carry out emergency stops to avoid collisions on the Tide Mills user worked crossing near Newhaven, East Sussex.

Photo (c) Kevin Gordon at Geograph

ABUSE / PROSECUTION: Paignton MCB

2009-04-23T12:07:00.004+01:00

Pedestrians and motorists continue to abuse the manual barrier crossing in Paignton, Devon.

Identified as one of the most abused crossings in the south west region, officials from Network Rail and British Transport Police ran an awareness session at Paignton in April - and witnessed six pedestrians running across after the lights and klaxons had triggered.

Between twenty and twenty five incidents of abuse are recorded at Paignton crossing every year. In February a woman driver was fined £190 and given three penalty points after pleading guilty to failing to stop at the red light there. Magistrates heard that local resident Margaret Powell was spotted slowing down as she approached the crossing then accelerating across the crossing.

INCIDENT: Eyton Lane AHB, Baschurch, Shropshire 03.04.09

2009-04-03T07:38:00.000+01:00

A cyclist was killed after being struck by a train in Shropshire. Jonnie Woodhall, a competition cyclist and former tobogganing world record holder, was hit by a Birmingham-Chester passenger service on the automatic half-barrier crossing at Eyton Lane, Baschurch.

The RSSB reported that Mr Woodhall had attempted to zig-zag around the barriers.

Photo (c) Row17 on Flickr

INCIDENT: Peth Lane FP, 02.04.09

2009-04-02T15:35:00.000+01:00

A man was killed on a footpath crossing in Tyne and Wear.

Gino Shepherd, 17, died instantly after being struck by a Northern Trains service on the Pleth Lane crossing. Reports suggest that Mr Shepherd had been listening to a music player and may have been distracted by this when he crossed.

REPORT: Tackley UWC+T

2009-04-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

The Rail Accident Investigation Board have issued a report into the fatal accident at Tackley station crossing in 2008. Margaret Evans, 80, of St John’s Road, Tackley, died after being hit by a train at the level crossing. She had been trying to cross the tracks to catch a train to Oxford.

The report identified the immediate cause of the accident as the pedestrian stepping onto the crossing and into the path of the train. Possible causal factors were also identified, namely the pedestrian mistaking a fast train for the stopping service which was due at about the same time, or being unaware of the train’s approach due to an obstruction created by a poorly sited fence.

Recommendations by the RAIB include improvements to the visibility at the crossing as well as investigation into the practicality of installing miniature warning lights at the location.

Both the incident summary and full investigation report can be found here.

INCIDENT: Ardrossan Harbour AOCL, Ayrshire 24.01.09

2009-03-21T07:54:00.004Z

A car was struck by a passenger train at an automatic open crossing in Ayrshire. The Rail Safety and Standards Board reported that the driver of the train had failed to operate the plunger which controls the warning lights at the crossing.

Photo (c) wfmillar at Geograph

INCIDENT: Barleston MCB 20.03.09

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000Z

A man was killed after being struck by a train on a Staffordshine crossing.

Stuart Turner was hit by a Euston-Manchester passenger service at the manually-controlled barrier crossing at Barleston, Staffordshire.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board reported later than Mr Turner, under the influence of alcohol, had attempted to cross whilst the barriers were lowered. He fell on the line after catching a foot in the cattle grid.

TECHNOLOGY: Obstacle detection

2009-02-27T14:58:00.003Z

Trials of the UK's first level crossing obstacle detection system have begun at a crossing in North Yorkshire.

The radar-style system is being installed at the manually controlled barrier crossing outside Filey station. It will operate after the barriers have been closed to check that the crossing is clear before the protecting signals can be cleared.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said that Filey had been chosen as it met 'various technical criteria' rather than any history of crossing misuse.

Comment: An interesting development, albeit not as revolutionary as some may think. Obstacle detection for MCB crossings could be a precursor to fully automated manual crossings, but for the foreseeable future it can only be an adjunct to the current CCTV system. Some observers claim that the technology would have prevented the recent incident at West Knapton AHB, but that would only have been the case if it were linked into protecting signals.

See the RSSB research report into obstacle detection for a fuller explanation of the background and technology.

NEAR MISS: Cleghorn MCB CCTV, Lanarkshire 10.02.09

2009-02-27T13:29:00.004Z

Reports suggest that a school bus avoided a collision with a passenger train at a Scottish barrier crossing. Cleghorn has been upgraded to a manually controlled full barrier crossing after sustained abuse by motorists. Allegations have been made that the crossing has not been functioning correctly.

No other details were available.

Lanark Gazette:
http://www.lanarkgazette.co.uk/news/Nearmiss-at-Cleghorn-level-crossing.4966109.jp

Photo (c) Raymond Okonski at Geograph

UPDATE: Hythe 2008

2009-02-27T13:00:00.001Z

A majority not guilty verdict was returned in a manslaughter case arising from a woman's death on a level crossing in 2008.

Darren Palmer had been alleged to have dragged his partner, Kelly Mack, over the Hythe MCB crossing against her will. Miss Mack caught her boot in the crossing and was subsequently struck by a train.

Both had climbed over the closed barriers at the crossing near Colchester in an attempt to reach the opposite platform for a departing service. Mr Palmer said he thought that Miss Mack was following him, but instead she had become caught up in the rails. A witness tried to pull her to safety but told how she "curled up into a ball" before being hit by the train.

Mr Palmer later commented that crossing the track when the barrier was down was "the stupidest mistake of my life".

INVESTIGATION: Bunchrew AOCL

2009-02-13T14:41:00.003Z

An investigation into alleged failures at a Scottish automatic open crossing has revealed a battery used to power train detection gear was losing power.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) met with Network Rail over concerns that the warning lights at the crossing at Bunchrew, Invernessshire, had failed on several occasions.

A spokesman for ORR said: "The immediate cause of the failures was exhaustion of the battery power supply to track circuits, with underlying causes relating to local factors at the crossing and possibly the particular batch of batteries.

"The track circuits are used for train detection and thereby initiate crossing operation."

He added: "Network Rail have reassessed the demand made on the supplies at Bunchrew and have increased the frequency at which the batteries are replaced and are taking other steps to ensure that the problem does not recur.

"ORR will continue to monitor performance at the crossing and we note that there have been no further failures from this cause since remedial action was taken."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We have worked closely with the ORR throughout their investigation at Bunchrew level crossing and will be incorporating their recommendations into our regular maintenance regime."

INCIDENT: Attleborough MCG 11.02.09

2009-02-12T13:14:00.001Z

A car collided with the gates at a manually controlled crossing in Norfolk.

British Transport Police said that the barriers were being closed when the Renault Clio approached the crossing and struck them.

An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

Photo (c) Ron Strutt on Geograph

INCIDENT: Moulinearn UWC MSL, Perthshire 08.02.09

2009-02-10T14:31:00.000Z

A pedestrian was struck and killed on a user worked crossing at Moulinearn.

Frank Clifford, 94, was hit by the 0918 Inverness to Glasgow passenger service. The crossing, protected by minature stop lights, was the scene of a fatal collision between a car and a train in 2001.

BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7876572.stm

Photo (c) BBC News

INCIDENT: West Knapton AHB, North Yorkshire 03.02.09

2009-02-10T14:16:00.003Z

A car collided with a train on an automatic half-barrier crossing in Yorkshire.

The driver claimed to have been dazzled by the sun as he approached West Knapton AHB. He clipped a barrier and collided with the rear carriage of the 10.22 Liverpool to Scarborough TransPennine Express service. No injuries were reported on the train which did not derail. The driver sustained minor injuries.

British Tramsport Police have launched an investigation.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board reported in their February 2009 Summary of Safety Performance that the "road vehicle driver attempted to zigzag around the barriers".

Scarborough Evening News: http://bit.ly/scarboro_lc

Photo (c) The Press

CAMPAIGN: Don't Run The Risk 2009

2009-02-07T13:03:00.001Z

Network Rail have released video footage of level crossing misuse as part of the ongoing Don't Run The Risk campaign.

Fifteen deaths and twenty rail-vehicle collisons were reported in 2008. Netwrok Rail say that 95% of accidents at level crossings can be attributed to public misuse or error.

A short compilation on the BBC News website.

Full video clips can be downloaded from the National Rail Media Centre here.

INCIDENT: Gwaun cae Gurwen AOC 02.02.09

2009-02-05T15:42:00.000Z

A car was struck by a locomotive at a crossing on a recently reopened freight line.

Witnesses say that car skidded downhill onto the crossing in wintry conditions and was struck by a slow moving locomotive. No casualties were reported and the locomotive did not derail.

Police are considering prosecuting the driver for dangerous driving

County councillor Lynda Williams said the warning lights were insufficient and that gates or barriers ought to be installed.

Although trains have not run on the line for almost ten years, it was never formally closed. Frieght traffic began running again on January 12th this year. Network Rail carried out an awareness campaign in the area before the line became operational.

INCIDENT: Gatehead AHB 23.01.09

2009-01-30T16:05:00.000Z

A teenage pedestrian was struck and killed by a passenger train on an AHB crossing in Scotland.

It has been reported that Robert Milloy may have been distracted by listening to music on earphones linked to his mobile phone. He was struck on the Gatehead crossing by the 1140 GMT Girvan to Kilmarnock service and died instantly.

A Network Rail spokesman said there had been no previous serious incidents at the crossing prior and a preliminary investigation found it to be in working order. Robert's father, Rab Milloy, wants Network Rail to carry out a risk assessment on the crossing.

Kilmarnock Standard: http://bit.ly/lc_gatehead

Photo (c) Rosser1954 at wikipedia

INCIDENT: Brandon MCB 22.01.09

2009-01-23T09:36:00.000Z

A pedestrian died after being struck by a passenger train on a manually controlled barrier crossing on the Norfolk/Sufflok border.

Bury Free Press: http://bit.ly/lc_brandon

Photo (c) Keith Evans on Geograph

PROSECUTION: Lower Cefn Farm 2008

2009-01-20T10:01:00.001Z

A lorry driver whose vehicle collided with a train at a user-worked level crossing near Welshpool last year has avoided a custodial sentence.

Arthur Roberts pleaded guilty to a charge of endangering railway passengers by wilful omission or neglect when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court. In Spetmeber 2008, Roberts drove to Lower Cefn Farm over a UWC+T and failed to contact the signaller for permission to cross in either direction. On his return journey, the rear of his lorry was struck at 70mph by a Birmingham to Aberystwyth passenger service.

Roberts was given a four month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work.

http://bit.ly/lc_buttington

INCIDENT: South Drove AHB, Lincolnshire 05.01.09

2009-01-07T14:24:00.000Z

A woman died when her car crashed on a crossing in icy conditions and was then struck by a passenger train.

Moira Koune was driving over the South Drove AHB near Spalding, Lincolnshire, when her car was in collision with a Ford Transit van. Her car was stuck on the crossing when the barriers descended and was hit by the 0833 Peterborough to Lincoln passenger service. The van driver was able to steer clear of the crossing and was trying to reach Miss Koune's car when it was struck. No injuries were reported on the train, which did nor derail.

Photo (c) Richard Croft at geograph

REPORT: Moor Lane FP, Staines

2008-12-23T09:54:00.001Z

The RAIB have issued their report into the pedestrian fatality at Moor Lane footpath crossing in April 2008. Mrs Theresa Mansell was killed after falling on the crossing and being struck by a passenger train.

They identified that Mrs Mansell did not stop to check that the line was clear before crossing. When she tried to turn and go back, she slipped on the timber crossing surface, which was described in the report as 'treacherous', and she was stranded in front of the oncoming train.

In their report, the RAIB noted that a non-slip surface to the crossing had been
considered by Railtrack in 1996 and requested by Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) in 2005. It further noted that the risk assessment processes operated for footpath crossings by Railtrack and more recently by Network Rail did not identify the risk of slipping on a timber surface, and as a result a non-slip surface was not provided at the crossing.

Network Rail have since applied a non-slip surface at Moor Lane and repainted white lines along the edges of the crossing.

RAIB report: http://bit.ly/raib_moor_lane_2

PROSECUTION: Darsham UWC

2008-12-23T09:44:00.000Z

A driver has been prosecuted for driving over a user worked crossing without telephoning for permission to cross.

Nigel Buckingham, 56, drove across the Lowestoft to Ipswich railway track near Darsham into the path of an oncoming train. The train driver had to apply the emergency brake to slow the train, which stopped on the crossing moments after the car had passed.

Buckingham was fined a total of £230.

EDP24: http://bit.ly/darsham

INCIDENT: Sandfields OC, Devon 20.12.08

2008-12-22T12:43:00.000Z

A passenger train struck the rear of a road vehicle at an open crossing in Devon. The type of road vehicle and the state of the driver is not known. There were no injuries reported on the train, which did not derail.

Photo (c) Johnathan Billinger at Geograph

INCIDENT: Crescent Road AHB Southport 13/12/08

2008-12-18T09:26:00.000Z

A woman may be charged with careless driving, endangering public safety and obstructing the railway after making a wrong turn at a level crossing and driving onto the rails.

She is believed to have turned too early at the AHB crossing in Crescent Road, Birkdale, believing it was the road running parallel to the track. Instead, she drove away from the crossing and onto to the tracks, her car eventually getting stuck.

The driver left her car and walked over live rails to return to the crossing where she called the signalman on the emergency telephone. An approaching train was subsequently halted.

Reports suggest that similar errors have been made in the past as the crossingis adjacent to a crossroad junction.

Southport Visitor: http://bit.ly/birkdale

PROSECUTION: Barrow Haven UWC, Lincolnshire

2008-12-16T09:22:00.001Z

A motorist has been found guilty of obstructing a railway by wilfully neglecting to obey a stop, look and listen sign. Ian Wathen drove through an already-open gate at the Barrow Haven UWC on West Marsh Road and his trailer, carrying a boat, was hit by a passenger train.

Mr Wathern told the court that his view of the track had been obscured by foliage and that pedestrians on the far side of the crossing had indicated for him to cross as they held a gate open. Only when his vehicle was on the tracks did he see the oncoming train, which collided with the boat and trailer.

Wathen was released on bail until sentencing in the new year.

This Is Scunthorpe: http://bit.ly/westmarshlane

Photo (c) David Wright on geograph

INCIDENT: Cosham CCTV, Hampshire 11/12/08

2008-12-12T09:30:00.000Z

A van collided with the barriers of a CCTV crossing after allegedly attempting to dodge around them.

Diversions were put in place around Cosham whilst Network Rail repaired the damage.

No arrests were made and no injuries reported.

INCIDENT: Winchelsea AOCL, East Sussex 04.12.08

2008-12-06T09:36:00.001Z

A passenger train collided with a car on an AOCL next to Winchelsea station.

Two occupants in the car were injured when the 4.30 Ashford to Brighton service clipped the front of their Ford Fiesta. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Hastings Observer: http://bit.ly/winchelsea

INCIDENT: Bayles & Wylies (Moor Lane) FP, Nottinghamshire 22.11.08

2008-12-03T10:22:00.001Z

A woman and her grandson were killed after being struck by a passenger train on Moor Lane footpath crossing, Bestwood, Nottingham.

Jean Hoggart and Mikey Dawson were hit by the 17.45 Worksop to Nottingham service. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail. The gated crossing, which is protected by whistle boards, is said by Network Rail to be in 'good condition'.

Local MP Paddy Tipping said there had also been a long-running campaign to improve lighting at the crossing. County councillor Chris Baron has been campaigning to improve safety at local crossings, including Moor Lane, for over a decade. He claims the lighting and signage are inadequate.

The RAIB have launched an investigation.

Photo (c) BBC News

BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7744475.stm

This Is Nottingham:
http://bit.ly/bestwood_1, http://bit.ly/bestwood_2, http://bit.ly/bestwood_3

FAILURE: Garve AOCL, Ross-shire 29/11/08

2008-11-30T09:28:00.000Z

The failure of a notorious Scottish automatic opening crossing has be attributed to a power cut.

A track circuit problem at the crossing in Garve, Ross-shire, led to the lights and sirens failing to activate as a passenger train approached Garve station. Network Rail reported that the driver's white warning light, which indicates AOC failure to train crew, worked correctly and the service was able to stop well before the crossing. The driver was able to use the trackside manual control to initiate the crossing closure system and continue into Garve station.

Garve was ranked by the Rail Safety and Standards Board as the most misused automatic open crossing in the UK in the period 1998-2005.

Photo (c) Frederik Ramm from On the Road in North-West Scotland

INQUEST: Haltwhistle 2008

2008-11-28T15:49:00.000Z

A jury returned a verdict of accidental death at the inquest of a teenager killed after being hit by a train on Haltwhisltle user crossing in January this year.

Christopher David Walton Walton had been helping to deliver coal at night to an adjacent property and was standing on the unlit crossing. It was claimed that the traffic noise and headlights of vehicles on the nearby A69 may have made it difficult for Mr Walton to know that a train was approaching.

Rail inspector John Tilley said the crossing had been "sub-standard" for a number of years and that it ought to be closed, a sentiment echoed by Mr Walton's parents.

Network Rail stated that they are in discussion with the landowner with respect to the crossing and that closure is NRs preferred option.

Hexham Courant: http://bit.ly/lc_haltwhistle_1

Journal Live: http://bit.ly/lc_haltwhistle_2

UPDATE: Smiths Lower Farm, Welshpool

2008-11-19T15:46:00.000Z

A father and son from Shropshire have appeared in court following a crash on a level crossing near Welshpool involving a lorry and a train carrying more than 100 passengers.

Arthur Roberts, 45, and 15-year-old Leon Roberts, both of Cherry Tree Drive, St Martins, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court yesterday.

They both denied a charge that by an unlawful act, or wilfully, they failed to comply with level crossing regulations, endangering the safety of people being conveyed on the railway at Buttington on September 10.

The case was adjourned for trial in January and the pair were released on bail.

INCIDENT: Bathampton UWC+MWL, Somerset 12.11.2008

2008-11-18T16:36:00.008Z

A van driver escaped injury when his vehicle was in collision with a passenger train on a user-worked crossing in Somerset.

Alan Saunders had driven onto the crossing at Bathampton, claiming that the warning light at the crossing signalled that it was safe for him to do so. Having opened the gate on the opposite side of the crossing, he returned to his vehicle which was then struck on the bonnet by the South West Trains 0850 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury service. He was unhurt as were all those on the train, which did not derail.

Mr Saunders was arrested soon after the incident on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was later released on police bail.

The owner of Bathampton Home Farm, Matt McKillop, whose farm entrance is by the crossing, said he had raised concerns about the light signal in the past. He said: “The light is very unclear on the crossing and when the sun is shining you can’t see whether it is on or off. There should be two lights at the crossing and all we want is a red and a green one instead of one that's white".

BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7724407.stm
This Is Wiltshire: http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/3840213.Chaos_as_passenger_train_hits_van__/
This Is Bath: http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Train-hits-car-Bath-level-crossing/article-468453-detail/article.html

Photo (C) bbc.co.uk

Comment: Does anyone have examples of how a single white warning light operates? It's not something that I'm familiar with.

INCIDENT: Wraysholme AOC, Cumbria 03.11.08

2008-11-04T13:47:00.003Z

A car driver died when his vehicle was struck by a train on an automatic open crossing in Cumbria.

John Crabtree, 41, of Ulverston, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision between his red Mitsubishi Carisma and the 0937 Carlisle to Lancaster two-coach Northern Rail train. None of the train crew or the 32 passengers on the train were injured. The train was not derailed.

A British Transport Police spokesman said that witnesses reported seeing Mr Crabtree drive onto the crossing as the warning lights were flashing.

Stuart Wilson of Wyke Farm, adjacent to the crossing, believes barriers are needed at the site. He claims that low sunlight makes the warning lights difficult to see.

It is the second vehicle collision at the crossing this year (see archived story for more details). Keith Lumley, spokesman for Network Rail, said that a risk assessment of the crossing following the collision in February deemed the level of equipment to be adequate. “Now we have had a second incident," said Mr Lumley, "we will revisit the risk assessment and look to see if anything can be done.”

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/wraysholme
Westmoreland Gazzette: http://tinyurl.com/wraysholme1
North West Evening Mail: http://tinyurl.com/wraysholme2
Grange Local: http://tinyurl.com/wraysholme3

Comment: Would the crossing benefit from half-barrier installation? Does a fatality following on from an earlier collision now alter the risk assessment? Or is this just a salutary reminder of the possible consequences of crossing misuse? I haven't seen any photos or detailed maps of the area, so it's difficult to comment on the suitability of Wraysholme's AOC status. But it's interesting to note that the Office of Rail Regulation have issued an improvement notice on NR for the crossing, stating that "all suitable steps have not been taken" to ensure that crossing users are "not exposed to risks".

And, a note to the BBC and some local papers who reported that the crossing had barriers- why not search your own archives first for corroboration?

CAMPAIGN: Don't Run The Risk

2008-11-04T13:45:00.000Z

Network Rail have issued a number of statistics related to level crossing incidents in support of their "Don't Run The Risk" campaign.

Between January and September 2008, there have been 2636 reported incidents of crossing misuse. 14% of these incidents resulted in a near miss.

The clear majority of misuse (66%) involved pedestrians. Twelve people have been killed on level crossings this year. On average three vehicles were involved in a near miss every week There have also been thirteen collisions between a road vehicle and a train.

Network Rail make it clear that level crossings are safe if used correctly and that UK fatality rate for level crossing incidents is amongst the lowest in Europe.

Network Rail: http://bit.ly/NOVL

CAMPAIGN: Don't Run The Risk TV Advert

2008-11-03T13:45:00.001Z

As part of Network Rail's ongoing level crossing safety campaign, Don't Run The Risk, a new television advert has been launched.

Perhaps in response to fatalities this year, the advert shows that pedestrians (including dog-walkers and children) as well as car drivers are at risk from level crossing abuse/misuse.

The advert can be viewed via the BBC iplayer here or downloaded (26.9MB) from the Network Rail Media Library here.

NEAR MISS: Llanbadarn ABCL, Wales 21.10.08

2008-10-23T13:43:00.001+01:00

The Rail Accident Investigation Board is examining how a passenger train passed over a crossing where the barriers were raised, nearly colliding with a gas tanker.

A Birmingham to Aberystwyth train allegedly passed a red signal light before Llanbadarn ABCL crossing. The crossing was open to road and pedestrian traffic as maitenance work was being carried out at the crossing. A man pushing a pram over the crossing saw the approaching Sprinter train and pulled the pram to safety. Moments later, a gas tanker lorry avoided colliding with the train which had been braking heavily and stopped with its rear unit on the crossing.

There were no reported injuries or damage caused.

A preliminary RAIB examination gave no indication that the condition of the infrastructure, or the driving of the road vehicles, contributed to the accident. They will carry out a full investigation with particular reference to the human factors involved in the operation of this crossing.

BBC News: http://bit.ly/vxmO
RAIB: http://bit.ly/jKvVI
Daily Post: http://bit.ly/mhzq

Photo (c) OLU at geograph.org.uk

INCIDENT: Sandhill AHB, Cambridgeshire 18.10.08

2008-10-21T16:42:00.003+01:00

A passenger train struck a car on a Cambridgeshire crossing. The London Kings Cross to King's Lynn train, travelling at close to sixty miles an hour, struck the back of the car on the Sandhill AHB crossing near Littleport.

Reports suggest that the driver may have attempted to zig-zag around the barriers. He was taken to hospital where his injuries have been described as 'non life-threatening'. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Customers at the Black Horse Pub nearby rushed out to try to help the driver but could not prevent the car from being struck. Some allege that there had been a signal failure at the crossing.

The RAIB said it was not planning to investigate the case.

Photo (c) Robert Edwards on Geograph

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/54sjul
Ely Standard: http://tinyurl.com/5lx3fv

INCIDENT: Corpach AOC, Scotland 17.10.08

2008-10-18T13:43:00.000+01:00

A van collided with a passenger train at Corpach Basin automatic open crossing near Fort William, Scotland.

The driver, Peter Donald, escaped injury when the 1010 Mallaig-Crianlarich train struck the van at approximately 10mph. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

BBC News: http://bit.ly/ZprL
Oban Times: http://bit.ly/pqcz

Photo (c) Francoise Poncelet at Geograph

INCIDENT: Ingatestone MCB, Essex 18.09.08

2008-09-20T16:36:00.001+01:00

A lorry was driven through a closed MCB crossing in Essex, smashing the barriers.

British Transport Police were called to the incident at Ingatestone. The lorry driver and that of another vehicle involved were spoken to.

Rail services were delayed but no train was involved in the incident itself.

Photo (c) John Winfield on Geograph

INQUEST: Swainsthorpe AHB 2007

2008-09-12T16:35:00.000+01:00

A verdict of accidental death has been recorded by the Norwich coroner at the inquest of a car driver killed at Swainsthorpe AHB in March 2007.

John White died when a One Railway passenger express hit his stationary Vauxhall Astra on the crossing.

The crossing is the site of a suicide in 2005 when a driver parked his car on the crossing in the path of an approaching train.

INCIDENT: Smiths Lower Farm UWC+T , Welshpool, 10.09.08

2008-09-10T13:50:00.000+01:00

A passenger train collided with a lorry on a user worked crossing in Wales.

The 1033 BST Arriva service from Birmingham New Street to Aberystwyth collided with the rear of the lorry. No injuries were reported and the train did not derail.

It is believed that the lorry driver failed to telephone the signaller for permission to cross.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/lowercefn1

INCIDENT: Weston Rhyn AHB, Shropshire 19.07.08

2008-07-21T16:32:00.001+01:00

A tractor driver was seriously injured when his unit was struck by a passenger train on an AHB crossing in Shropshire.

Reports suggest that the barrier came down between the tractor and the trailer, stranding the tractor on the crossing at Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry. The 16:46 Gobowen–Chester service was not derailed and no-one on board was seriously hurt.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/6poqt5
Border Counties Advertiser: http://tinyurl.com/6kwlwr

Main picture (c)Stephen McKay on Geograph
Smaller picture (c) BBC

INVESTIGATION: Moor Lane FP, Staines

2008-06-27T11:55:00.003+01:00

The RAIB’s preliminary examination of this incident has indicated no issues with the condition or operation of the train or the signalling system that could have contributed to the accident.

Brian Smith, of Moor Lane who used to walk on Stanwell Moor with Terri, has been campaigning about the crossing where his friend died and another behind the Two Rivers Estate, three-quarters of a mile up the tracks, since 2005. He said he was "disgusted" with these findings.

Mr Smith said he took a rail inspector from the Health and Safety Inspectorate, which was replaced by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) in 2006, to the Two Rivers crossing in February 2005 but has heard nothing since.

RAIB: http://tinyurl.com/688hlx

Wimbledon Guardian: http://tinyurl.com/5fd2dc

INCIDENT: Broadley FP, Kent 19th June 2008

2008-06-21T12:00:00.000+01:00

A police officer died after being hit by a train at a footpath level crossing in Kent.

Detective Constable Andy Eley, 43, from Thanet, was hit at Broadley crossing between Herne Bay and Birchington.

Eighty-five people were on board the 9.59am service from Ramsgate to London Victoria, which did not derail. No other injuries were reported.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "The train was travelling at 80mph when the driver spotted the man lying partially on the line about 100 metres ahead of him. There appear to be no suspicious circumstances at this stage and an investigation for the coroner is under way."

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/624d2y
Daily Mail: http://tinyurl.com/6oqnhs
Rye and Battle Observer: http://tinyurl.com/68w7w7

INCIDENT: Pencoed MCB CCTV 13th June 2008

2008-06-18T12:07:00.001+01:00

A teenager was killed when she was struck by an express train on a full barrier crossing at Pencoed station, Bridgend.

Sophie Harris, 16, was reported to have been followed another un-named teenage girl onto the crossing who had been attempting to retrive a mobile phone thrown onto the track by an un-named male.

She was hit by a Swansea-bound train which had been travelling at 85mph. The other girl jumped clear over the crossing barrier and was unhurt.

British Transport Police have begun an investigation.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5a7equ

Daily Mirror: http://tinyurl.com/5jqsyd
This is South Wales: http://tinyurl.com/5z7dsl
This is Swansea: http://tinyurl.com/6malej

INCIDENT: Loover Barn UWC+T, Kent 13th June 2008

2008-06-15T12:14:00.001+01:00

A tractor was hit by a train travelling over a user-worked crossing between Glynde and Berwick in Kent.

Chris Brickell, 21, from Itford Farm, Beddingham, was uninjured in the incident. No injuries were reported on the London-bound train, which did not derail.

The driver claims that he called the signalling station and had been given permission to cross.

The RAIB have carried out a preliminary examination and will include the incident in its general investigation into user worked crossings.

Rye and Batlle Observer: http://tinyurl.com/5n4nt8 and http://tinyurl.com/5nse7f

UPGRADE: Carnoustie MCB

2008-06-07T12:38:00.000+01:00

Network Rail are considering a range of improvements to the Station Road MCB crossing at Carnoustie.

The crossing has a history of abuse and was one of the first 'red-light-camera' crossing sites.

As well as marking up the crossing area with yellow-box markings, worls could include lowering a section of boundary wall to improve visibility, installing new LED lights with low hoods and the installation of CCTV.

Guide and Gazette: http://tinyurl.com/6g34uy

INCIDENT: Bardon Mill UWC+T, Northumberland 03/06/08

2008-06-05T12:39:00.003+01:00

A delivery van was hit by a train on a user-worked crossing in Bardon Mill, Northumberland.

The 20-year old driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. None of the 45 passengers on the 16.24 Newcastle to Whitehaven Northern Rail train were reported as injured. The train did not derail.

It has been alleged that the driver did not use the crossing phone to seek permission to cross the line.

British Transport Police officers have begun an investigation. They have already said there was no information to suggest that the crossing was faulty.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/4njrd6
Whitehaven News: http://tinyurl.com/5k94yl
Journal Live: http://tinyurl.com/3o9x3l

NEAR MISS: Stone, Kent 24/05/08

2008-05-27T12:57:00.000+01:00

A pedestrian was involved in a near miss at a crossing in Kent. Steve Johnson alleged that a gate leading onto the manual gated crossing at Stone was left open and that he was about to cross when a train sped past.

The crossing is controlled from a signal box next to the track. Network Rail said a full investigation was under way into the incident.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5akejo

Photo: (c) railwaystations.fpic.co.uk

INCIDENT: Bunchrew AOC, Inverness 17/05/08

2008-05-20T12:54:00.002+01:00

A car collided with a passenger train at an automatic open crossing near Inverness. Graham Macmillan was cut free from his Ford Focus after it was struck at Bunchrew crossing by the two-coach train en route to Wick. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said the train struck the front of the vehicle and threw it forward, eventually landing on its side. The train stopped about a hundred yards further up the line. McMillan has since been subject of a report to the fiscal following an investigation.

The crossing has been identified by Network Rail as one of the 50 most abused in the country. Locals have often claimed that the lights do not always work and that there have been a number of near misses in the past.

Press and Journal: http://tinyurl.com/66v63e
Inverness Courier: http://tinyurl.com/5efg4c
BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/6rnocw
The Press & Journal: http://tinyurl.com/662k9h

UPDATE: The Office of Rail Regulation has said that it will investigate the complaints after it was provided with what locals say is photographic evidence of the lights failing to warn of an approaching train.

See photos and video: BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5tpl7s

Photo: (c) BBC News

INCIDENT: Marston AHB, Derbyshire 10th May 2008

2008-05-11T10:45:00.003+01:00

A man was killed when his car was hit by a train after stopping on the automatic half-barrier crossing at Marston on Dove, Derbyshire. There were no serious injuries reported on the train, which did not derail.

Ian Hakes, 43, was inside his green Mazda when it was hit by the 15:28 East Midlands Trains service from Derby to Crewe. Two of the train's 54 passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

He was due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court for possessing an imitation firearm.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5p4uoa

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-news/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=314607

INCIDENT: Blackboy Lane AHB, Sussex 10.05.08

2008-05-10T14:18:00.000+01:00

A woman was struck and killed at an automatic half-barrier crossing near Fishbourne, Sussex.

Details are unclear. The train driver was initially unaware that he has hit a person.
Initial reports from British Transport Police state that the incident was unexplained due to lack of CCTV and witness evidence.

INCIDENT: Marsh Barton FP+MWL, 10/05/08

2008-05-10T14:14:00.001+01:00

A woman was struck and killed on Marsh Barton footpath crossing with miniature warning lights. It is believed she was trying to retrieve her dogs from the line when she was struck.

INCIDENT: Moor Lane FP, Staines, Surrey 16th April 2008

2008-04-17T20:57:00.003+01:00

A woman has been killed after getting stuck on a footpath crossing and hit by a train.

Theresa Mansell, 66, had been crossing the line at Moor Lane, Staines, with a friend whilst walking a dog. It is believed that Mrs Mansell trapped her foot in a gap between a rail and the wooden decking of the crossing walkway. She was unable to free herself despite the efforts of her friend, Heather George, and was struck by a Waterloo to Windsor passenger train.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/4kjrn3
Telegraph: http://tinyurl.com/3qoz7z

Photo: BBC News

INCIDENT: Kinbrace AOC, Sutherland 16th April 2008

2008-04-17T20:23:00.006+01:00

A car has collided with a train on an automatic open crossing in Scotland.

Gordon Mackenzie, 33, was driving a Land Rover that was in collision with a Wick to Inverness passenger train. No injuries were reported either to the car driver or to the passengers and crew of the train, which did not derail.

Mr Mackenzie, who lives and works close to the crossing, has been charged with careless driving. He has been reported as saying that the sun was in his eyes and would like to see something done about the speed at which trains traverse the crossing.
Comment: This incident occured days after the sentencing of a driver who collided with a train after running the lights at another Scottish AOC, Delny. Strong sunlight obscuring the drivers view was offered as a mitigating factor in the case. A reduction of train speed over Delny crossing has also been implemented.

Is there now a need for new risk assessments at AOCs? Will sunlight and train speed now be used as mitigation after every AOC collision? Should AOCs be upgraded to AHB as a matter of priority?

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/3zhyur
The Northern Times: http://tinyurl.com/462tup

Photos: Top - (c) The Northern Times
Bottom - John Butler

UPDATE: Delny

2008-04-17T19:49:00.003+01:00

The teenage driver who failed to stop at a Scottish crossing and collided with an oncoming train, killing his two passengers, has been jailed for five years.

Richard Fleming, 18, had earlier admitted pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of Paul Oliver and Alan Thain, both 17, in the incident last February.

Taking into account the guilty plea, Judge Lord Brailsford accepted that Fleming was "full of remorse" for his actions. After hearing of comments made by local councillors about Delny crossing, the judge said that there was "cogent and persuasive evidence that there were problems with the level crossing where this accident occurred". Although such evidence was "not exculpatory of this offence", Lord Brailsford believed it was a factor that allowed Fleming to be dealt with more leniently than would normally be the situation in a case involving two deaths.

Since the incident, Delny AOC has been fitted with extended hoods on the lights and rail traffic speed over the crossing has been reduced. A Network Rail spokesperson said "The sad fact is that they were killed by an act of reckless driving, not by a level crossing".

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/3kou7c
Scotsman.com http://tinyurl.com/4mmew2

INCIDENT: Scopwick MCG, Kirkby Green, Lincolnshire 9th April 2008

2008-04-17T19:24:00.003+01:00

A train has struck the gates at a Lincolnshire crossing.
The Newark to Peterborough single car service crashed through the gates at Scopwick crossing near Kirkby Green. No casualties were reported on the train. which did not derail.

Scopton is one of the few remaining wheel-operated gated crossings. It is not known at this time if the crossing was operating correctly at the time of the incident.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/3u7vg9

Photo: Dave Bushell at www.geograph.org.uk

INCIDENT: Cosham CCTV, Hampshire 09.04.08

2008-04-10T14:10:00.000+01:00

A woman died when she was struck by a descending barrier at a CCTV controlled crossing.

Celia Matthews was reported to be in the middle of Cosham crossing when the closure sequence was initiated. A barrier struck her on the head and she fell to the ground. She died of her injuries four days later.

The signaller is claimed to have said that Mrs Matthews only started to cross after the closure sequence had begun.

Other pedestrian users have claimed that the crossing closes too quickly and that some have been stranded rail side when trains have passed.

A Network Rail spokesman said that an investigation in conjunction with HMRI into the incident.

UPDATE: The Office of Rail Regulation subsequently served two improvement notices against Network Rail in relation to the operation of the crossing; that the time taken from when the Cosham level crossing barriers begin to descend until they reach the lowered position for both the left hand and right hand barriers is too fast (less than 6 to 10 seconds) and that the road surface at Cosham level crossing has not been maintained in a good and even condition, and was in use with loose, misaligned road panels and unacceptable gaps. Both improvement notices have now been complied with.

http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/impnot-cosham_cctv_lx_270508.pdf
http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/impnot-cosham_cctv_lx_150508.pdf

Photo (c) Basher Eyre on Geograph

UPDATE: Hythe

2008-04-04T21:34:00.000+01:00

A man has been charged with the manslaughter of his partner following the recent incident at Hythe station.

Darren Palmer, 38, was remanded into custody by Colchester magistrates. Kelly Mack, 29, was killed when she was struck by a train after she and Mr Palmer crossed the line after the barriers had descended.

INCIDENT: Tackley UWC, Oxfordshire 31.03.08

2008-04-03T14:56:00.000+01:00

A woman was killed when she was hit by a high-speed train at a user worked crossing in Oxfordshire.

Margaret Evans was struck by a Dundee to Bournemouth CrossCountry train as she crossed the line at the south end of Tackley station. The RAIB have begun an investigation.

Although planning permission had been granted, residents rejected the building of a subway in 2003 and Network Rail was later unable to buy the land neccessary.

Trains can pass through the station at 90mph. The gated crossing, leading to a farm track, is the only way of crossing between platforms at the station. Tackley Parish Council asked for warning lights to be fitted to the crossing in 2003. However, a Network Rail risk assessment in 2007 found that signage on the proper use of the crossing was adequate protection. Local have reported several near-misses at the site, alleging that the curvature of the track makes it difficult to judge the approach time of express trains.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/5z3wz7
The Oxford Times: http://tinyurl.com/5bnem8

Photo (c) Lee Fletcher

INCIDENT: Wokingham Waterloo Road AHB, Berkshire 31st March 2008

2008-03-31T16:19:00.005+01:00

A woman was killed when she was hit by a train on the Waterloo Road automatic half-barrier crossing in Wokingham.

Few other details are available at the present time.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/yvfdx3

INCIDENT: Hythe Station MCB, Colchester, Essex 27th February 2008

2008-03-30T15:52:00.002+01:00

A woman was killed when she was struck by a passenger train on a barrier crossing in Colchester.

Police say that Kelly Mack, 29, attempted to cross the Hythe station crossing whilst the barriers were down. She had caught her foot in the wooden crossing guard and although managing to free herself was struck by a London Liverpool Street to Clacton service travelling at approximately 50mph. A man believed to be her boyfriend was also injured. Another man, who tried to pull the woman free, escaped injury.

No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Photo (c) Daily Mail

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/2b9urg

EADT: http://tinyurl.com/35fcxs

PROSECUTION: Oulton Broad MCB

2008-03-06T21:00:00.001Z

A motorist who overtook a line of waiting stationary cars at a barrier crossing in order to cross before the barriers descended has been jailed for four months.

Rickie Brown, 30, from Lowestoft had ignored the flashing red lights at Oulton Broad North MCB near Lowestoft during the evening rush-hour, Ipswich Crown Court heard. Overtaking three cars that had stopped, Brown 'zig-zagged' past the descending barriers. The signalman had made a note of Brown's registration number and he had later been interviewed by the police about the incident.

Here's a YouTube clip of the crossing in action:

Evening Star: http://tinyurl.com/2lwpal

INCIDENT: Cullybacky AHB, Ballymena 3rd March 2008

2008-03-03T20:27:00.009Z

A car was in collision with a passenger train at the automatic half barrier crossing on Cullybacky Road, Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Alan Law was taken to Antrim Area Hospital and later moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Early indications suggest that the crossing was working correctly at the time of the incident.

The body responsible for level crossings in Northern Ireland, Translink, are to launch a full investigation.

Belfast Telegraph: http://tinyurl.com/2zuroa
BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/yt7bc3

Photo: BBC News

INCIDENT: Wraysholme AOC, Flookburgh, Cumbria 27th February 2008

2008-02-27T20:30:00.001Z

A car was in collison with a passenger train at the Wraysholme level crossing, near Flookburgh, Cumbria.

The Land Rover was struck by a Manchester Airport to Barrow train travelling up to 50mph, critically injuring the 31-year-old car driver who was airlifted to Lancaster Royal Infirmary. His passenger, a 23-year-old man from Ashton-In-Makerfield, was taken to Furness General Hospital suffering from a broken ankle and bruising to his face and hands.

Both the train driver and guard suffered minor injuries; no injuries were reported amongst the 22 passengers. The class 185 Desiro train did not derail.

A Network Rail spokesman said the crossing appeared to have been working correctly at the time of the incicent. The RAIB have been informed.

BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/2r7co7
North West Evening Mail: http://tinyurl.com/2w2szt

PROSECUTION: Rylands FP

2008-02-22T20:40:00.000Z

A man who played 'chicken' with an oncoming passenger train on a footpath crossing has been jailed for six months.

Andrew Ogden, 21, from Great Meadow, Astley Village, had already pleaded guilty to obstruction without intent for the offence committed in July 2007 . Standing on the crossing with his arms raised, Ogden had jumped away only seconds before the 50mph train arrived on the crossing.

Inspector Gary Jones of British Transport Police said. "This was a shocking case of somebody blatantly showing off to their friends which could so easily have ended in tragedy".

Chorley Today: http://tinyurl.com/35pmwo

INCIDENT: Spondon MCB CCTV 15th February 2008

2008-02-18T20:56:00.003Z

Delays to road and rail traffic were the result of a vehicle striking the barriers at an oft-abused crossing in Derbyshire.

Spondon crossing was closed for a significant period in the morning as Network Rail replaced a damaged barrier struck by an encroaching vehicle.

The crossing, close to several industrial plants, has a history of abuse from light-jumpers and tailgating long vehicles.

Network Rail ran a safety awareness campaign at the crossing in late 2007.

Comment: I cross here twice a day and have seen a number of near misses. Slow moving, long vehicles often tailgate across and catch descending barriers. Cars driven too quickly on approach to the crossing - a ninety degree bend in one direction, a humped back bridge in the other - can be seen trying to beat the lights. As a MCB CCTV crossing on a main line, the crossing can remain closed for up to eight minutes at a time.

I'll be highlighting Spondon crossing in the first of a series of special reports later in the year.

INCIDENT: Attleborough FC, 13th February 2008

2008-02-15T20:40:00.001Z

A pedestrian has been killed on a footpath crossing in Norfolk.

Margaret Thomson, 83, from Attleborough, was crossing the Leys Lane footpath crossing shortly before 10.30am with her friend Shirley Marsters and a dog in foggy conditions.

She was hit by the 07.06 Mansfield-Norwich service and died at the scene. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail. The other pedestrian, Shirley Masters, was uninjured.

“It was so foggy, you have no idea,” Mrs Masters said. “We looked both ways and there wasn't a sound - we didn't hear anything, we didn't see anything. There was just this whoosh. I just turned around and Margaret was gone. We hadn't had a chance to get out of the way - the train did clip her."

Residents have called for further safety measures to be introduced at the crossing, which is a popular route for dog walkers using the adjacent park.

Wymondham and Attleborough Mercury: story here
BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/39dlfu

PROSECUTION: Delny AOC

2008-02-13T22:31:00.000Z

The car driver involved in the multiple fatality at Delny AOC in February 2007 has admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Richard Fleming, 18, accelerated towards the crossing which had red warning lights activated. Striking the underside of the lead coach, the collision was so severe it knocked the engine out of the car. One passenger, Paul Oliver, 17,was declared dead at the scene. Fellow teenager, Allan Thain, also 17, died some days later in hospital.

Advocate-depute depute Graeme Jessop said "The only two possible explanations for the collision are either the accused for some reason failed to notice the red lights, or he deliberately chose to ignore the red lights."

Fleming, who has passed his test just months before the incident, also admitted dangerous driving on the A9 near Kildary, when he reached a speed of 108mph, in December 2006. The Crown accepted Fleming's not guilty plea to another charge of dangerous driving, on 25 January, 2007, when he allegedly failed to give way at a roundabout and drove into the path of a police car, and drove up to 80mph in a built-up area and over a level crossing.

Released on bail on compassionate grounds, Fleming is to be sentenced in April. The judge, Lord Brailsford, said: "I think that in this case there is a high degree of probability that there will be a custodial disposal."

Scotsman.com: http://tinyurl.com/2sxrbb
BBC News: http://tinyurl.com/27qs3t

INCIDENT: West Lodge UWC-T, Haltwhistle, Northumberland 22nd January 2008

2008-01-22T20:36:00.000Z

A man has been killed by a freight train on an user-worked crossing in Northumberland.

Christopher Walton, 17, of Haltwhistle was struck as he was delivering coal. The RAIB has begun an investigation.

Carlisle News and Star: http://tinyurl.com/3e22bf http://tinyurl.com/259n9f
RAIB http://tinyurl.com/yqh8vc

INCIDENT: Melrose Avenue UWC+T, 21st January 2008

2008-01-22T19:56:00.001Z

A pedestrian has been killed whilst crossing a line at Hoylake close to the scene of a fatal accident last year.

Clive Hanlon, 52, was hit by a West Kirby service on a user worked crossing with telephone at Melrose Avenue. No injuries were reported on the train, which did not derail.

Further down the line is a similar crossing at Sandringham Avenue where a woman was struck and killed last year.

The user worked crossings on the line have a history of misuse, including motorists failing to call for crossing clearance.

Liverpool Echo: story here
Liverpool Echo: forum comment here
Wirral News: story here

Photograph (c) Liverpool Echo

INCIDENT: Whitemoss AHB, 05/01/08

2008-01-16T20:15:00.001Z

A lorry crashed through an automatic half barrier and was in collision with a locomotive on the line between Gleneagles and Perth. The driver and passenger of the lorry were unhurt whilst the loco driver was slightly injured and taken to Perth Royal Infirmary.

The potato lorry is said to have slid on ice down the hill on the approach to the crossing and was unable to move away before the Direct Rail Services locomotive collided with the lorry's trailer.

Shortly before, a passenger train had passed over the crossing and a sleeper train was due over within minutes.