Level crossings

[aylesbury]

The barriers on the line through Thetford the crossings have had many problems from motion detectors not working properly,so even the new technology is not perfect.Perhaps a man on the gates is the forward/backward?

 

[Tomnick]

Would that be a reasonable response to a relatively very small risk?

 

[yorksrob]

Would that be a reasonable response to a relatively very small risk?

Probably not, but that seems to be the logic certain other posters on this thread are pursuing.

And let's not forget, Network Rail has a policy to progressively close more level crossings (I'm sure I saw an advert boasting of how many had been closed recently), so someone in power obviously sees it as a "reasonable" response, regardless of what we think.

 

[fsmr]

Might be worth reporting it to Network Rail if it's doing it frequently, if it's not just happening immediately after the barriers are raised. I don't know the exact figures off-hand, but they're usually set up so that the motor starts driving the barrier back up at a greater angle (from horizontal) than that at which detection is lost - i.e. they should sort themselves out before detection's lost. Should also indicate failed in the box too, if they do lose detection.

Thanks Tom yes they have been out to it a few times
Good job the yard is so close
They were on scene within a few minutes when the barrier got taken out that time by a LGV turning out the junction

 

[Bald Rick]

And let's not forget, Network Rail has a policy to progressively close more level crossings (I'm sure I saw an advert boasting of how many had been closed recently), so someone in power obviously sees it as a "reasonable" response, regardless of what we think.

Indeed they do, it's a particular bee in my bonnet. Almost 800 crossings have been closed in the last few years, mostly farm crossings, but a good number of footpaths too.

The cost of closing a crossing does vary, farm crossings are quite easy, some footpaths can be diverted (although the legal process can be prolonged), but anything needing a bridge is expensive and takes a long time, usually. To put into context there are about a dozen bridges being built now that I kicked off 4 years ago.