Level Crossings in Driving tests

[Oswyntail]

This is on teh BBC website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8557848.stm
However, given that a large proportion of drivers seem to feel they can ignore lessons as soon as they pass their test, would this help?

 

[GB]

Im not sure it would help that much. The core problem seems to be driver lazyness and the relative small risk of actually getting caught.

 

[Failed Unit]

I don't think it will help either, there are many things in the driving tests that are frequently ignored such as respecting speed limits. The only way to solve this issue would be to put cameras at every level crossing in the uk to catch the people doing it. I guess this would be too expensive and the camera's would get vandalised anyway.

 

[mumrar]

Maybe the Road Safety Partnerships created to collect and reuse the money from speed cameras could help fund them. As I've said before, the crossing is a privelege granted to road users, not to the railways, so they should fund deterrent and detection, not Newtork Rail.

 

[Wyvern]

the crossing is a privelege granted to road users, not to the railways, so they should fund deterrent and detection, not Newtork Rail.

In most cases there is a right of way for the road user from when the line was built.

POSTSCRIPT:

But this reminds me of an old rhyme I think of every time I walk across the entrance of the car park next door:

Here lies the body of Simon Wray
Who died defending his right of way.

 

[TDK]

I don't think it will help either, there are many things in the driving tests that are frequently ignored such as respecting speed limits. The only way to solve this issue would be to put cameras at every level crossing in the uk to catch the people doing it. I guess this would be too expensive and the camera's would get vandalised anyway.

May be expensive however there are thousands of cameras for traffic lights and speed traps, they were funded so why not level crossings?

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Level Crossings are covered in the theory test (you have to pass that before you attempt your practical)

Practically, it's not possible to get to a level crossing and back again in the allocated 38-40 minutes from every test centre in the country. The same applies with fast roads, or single track country roads.

 

[GB]

Level Crossings are covered in the theory test (you have to pass that before you attempt your practical)

Yes but the questions you get on the day are random and there is no guarentee you will get them...I certainly didnt.

 

[atillathehunn]

Speaking as someone who has recently passed their test (I passed the theory some time in September, and the practical in November), I feel qualified to post! I didn't get a question on level crossings on my theory test, but as the above poster says, the questions are randomly generated. However, on the practical side it wasn't covered either. I did some checking, there are quite a few level crossings around me (although saying that, I have never been across that many...) I can forgive them that as the routes are chosen at random as well, and I may just have got a route without a crossing. Although, I didn't get even get lessons on them whilst learning! I don't think it was covered in Pass Plus either... Although, I only took 8 driving lessons at 1hr each, so there may not have been time!

 

[devon_metro]

I find it striking that people are seemingly baffled by them. Its no different to a set of traffic lights, if its on red, don't go. Simples. Likewise, its similar to a box junction, so unless your exit is clear don't go on it.

I dread to think what some people are like on the roads if they are baffled by level crossings.

However the main problem is people ignoring the warnings, so enforcing them in the driving test would achieve very little IMO.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

I took my test in Northallerton 11 years ago, and from where I lived then, you couldnt get into Northallerton without crossing a railway line, either by bridge (long diversion) or level crossing, of which there are three major and one minor, with a major one at both ends of town!

 

[quarella]

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

The Coach and Lorry driving test centre in Bristol used to be off Ashton Vale Road. The layout has been slightly altered as the traffic lights which are now before the crossing used to be after it. The area between the traffic light stop line and the crossing was about 10 metres. Coach I took my PSV test in 1990 was 11m. If the lights changed you either ran an amber or fouled the crossing. Neither recommended on a driving test. Fortunately for me the lights stayed green and I passed.

 

[142094]

However the main problem is people ignoring the warnings, so enforcing them in the driving test would achieve very little IMO.

You can still go into a box junction when turning right and your exit is blocked by oncoming traffic or ones in front turning right as well. This seems to confuse a lot of people who wait behind the stop line and wonder why they never get through for a while.

I agree, they are basically the same as a red stop light. However there is always going to be one idiot trying to play a game or impress friends or not concentrating.

As a percentage of all vehicles crossing level crossings, how many break the law? I'd say must be under 1%.

 

[GB]

You can still go into a box junction when turning right and your exit is blocked by oncoming traffic or ones in front turning right as well. This seems to confuse a lot of people who wait behind the stop line and wonder why they never get through for a while

Try doing that at a level crossing as you will soon regret it!

 

[StoneRoad]

IMO the theory test should have a number of core questions that everyone has to get right, otherwise they fail!
One of which should be level xings, another should be speed limits/stopping distances, no doubt others can think of a few more!
What is more, it should be in the practical as well!

When I uprated to car from m'bike (quite a few years ago) one of the road sign questions was those at a level xing. The examiner was a little taken aback when I told him the red wigwag lights had an alternative layout of above and below the yellow (amber for roadies!) light.

Perhaps the scottish idea of cctv enforcement and nine points for running a level xing might have favour?

 

[royaloak]

Perhaps the scottish idea of cctv enforcement and nine points for running a level xing might have favour?

I second that proposal.

 

[TDK]

I second that proposal.

Or if caught with conclusive evidence 12 points and a ban as it is for D/D

 

[GearJammer]

I think changing the current style level crossing lights to standard traffic lights would do the trick, especially if they had camaras on them like the style at traffic junctions that take a pic of someone running a red light!
A siren could go off say 30 seconds before the lights turn to red to warn pedestrians not to cross, then the barriers could come down maybe 15 seconds after the lights go red, anyone running a red light could get 9 points or a ban!

Im sure it would'nt be that hard to install during routine maintenance/replacement of crossings!

Personnally i always stop when the lights come on, i even slow down and hope they come on.......... i mean you can cop a new loco anywhere anytime right?

 

[142094]

Try doing that at a level crossing as you will soon regret it!

The problem is that some people have!! There is sometimes the odd story about people using sat navs driving onto level crossings then saying "the sat nav told me to turn right"!

Some people have suggested cameras and fines, well the Tyne and Wear Metro have put up a camera at Callerton Parkway due to the amount of people driving across at danger. Instead of a fine, they should have their licence revoked for 5 years, their car crushed and have to retake their test every 2 years afterwards. That would make people think.

 

[90019]

their car crushed

I agree with most of it, except this bit.
The crushing of cars in instances like this really annoys me, as it's a complete waste of a car that in almost all cases has absolutely nothing wrong with it, and is a waste of money, energy and resources.

 

[142094]

Alright then, it should be seized and sold at auction, with the money raised going to railway related charities.

 

[Kernowfem]

In this day and age one thing seems to be sadly lacking: Common sense.
It really proves what kind of idiots are driving around if we have to SHOW them what to do at a level crossing, Those that need to be taught how to do this are not bright enough to be driving, simple. As for those who have been driving a number of years and still cant work it out and or take stupid risks need to be banned. Harsher punishments are whats needed in this case.

 

[142094]

Harsher punishments are whats needed in this case.

Well said, this probably applies to most crimes - the punishments available to the courts and judges seem far too lenient.

 

[royaloak]

Well said, this probably applies to most crimes - the punishments available to the courts and judges seem far too lenient.

Which could be said for most punishments, some times I think it would be better to be a criminal than a worker in this country, after all they get looked after better.

 

[142094]

Aye true, seems like most people do half the sentence then all the time taken off spent on remand, so it is only a few weeks. Then the rest get community service. Pathetic.

 

[moonrakerz]

The problem is that some people have!! There is sometimes the odd story about people using sat navs driving onto level crossings then saying "the sat nav told me to turn right"!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...rcedes-then-broke-down-in-front-of-train.html

 

[dave12435]

I personally dont think it will make any difference
Besides what if there are no level crossings close enough to your local test centre to be able to have one on a test route

 

[Spartacus]

I think changing the current style level crossing lights to standard traffic lights would do the trick, especially if they had camaras on them like the style at traffic junctions that take a pic of someone running a red light!

Ah, but under circumstances certain vehicles are allowed passed red traffic light, whereas nobody it allowed passed the crossing style of lights. Besides, I don't think anyone ever thinks 'flashing red lights mean it's ok to cross'.......

Just thinking about crossings on driving tests: it'd send TPE's punctuality down the drain around here. One crossing for miles and it's manual gates.....

 

[ChrisCooper]

"He slowed down and saw there was a motor vehicle on the track and applied the emergency breaks."

God it annoys me enough how often I see talk of train "breaks" on rail forums, but this is the website of a major national newspaper. Its BRAKES!!!

Well, she got off lightly, suspended sentance and a supervision order. The 2 year ban goes without saying, but should be a permenant ban until she can be shown to have got over her alcohol problem. Bet if it was a man he'd have ended up in prison, but then the criminal justice system is incredibly sexist (whilst the sexism is mostly against women though, most of the time it works in their favour so is unlikely to change).

 

[northwichcat]

IMO the theory test should have a number of core questions that everyone has to get right, otherwise they fail!
One of which should be level xings, another should be speed limits/stopping distances, no doubt others can think of a few more!
What is more, it should be in the practical as well!

The practical test covers as many different types of roads that it is possible to cover within a 40 minute drive from the test centre, including some pulling up and stopping and reversing exercises. Some test centres aren't within 15 minutes drive of a level crossing and even if they are then there's no guarantee of encountering a train - even if the examiner tries to get the learner to the level crossing when a train is due there could be a delay or cancellation.