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Collision at Frognal Farm user worked level crossing

Investigation into a collision between a train and a van at Frognal Farm level crossing, near Teynham, Kent, 23 October 2017.

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Instructions to users on signs each side of the crossing

At around 15:03 hrs on 23 October 2017, train reporting number 1L32, the 14:20 hrs Southeastern service from Ramsgate to London St Pancras, travelling at about 85 mph (137 km/h), struck a delivery van on Frognal Farm user worked level crossing, between Teynham and Sittingbourne stations. The train did not derail, and none of the approximately 80 passengers and crew on board were hurt. The van was badly damaged, and its driver was taken to hospital with head and upper body injuries.

Frognal Farm level crossing is on a private road giving access to a small number of houses and a farm. Until March 2017, users had to open the gates themselves, having first telephoned the Network Rail signaller to confirm that it was safe to cross the line. In March 2017, Network Rail installed power operated gate opening (POGO) equipment at this crossing. Users should still telephone for permission to cross, but having done so they are now able to press a button to open the gates, without having to cross the line on foot.

On this occasion there is no evidence that the driver of the delivery van made a telephone call to the signaller. However, the signage provided at the crossing was not, in the RAIB’s view, clear.

In light of this accident RAIB has issued the following urgent safety advice to Network Rail: ‘Network Rail should urgently review the design and wording of the warning/instruction signs at user worked crossings with POGO equipment, to ensure that the instructions are clear, and alert users to the nature and severity of the risks’.

Our investigation into the accident will determine the sequence of events. It will also include consideration of:
- The way in which level crossings have been upgraded with POGO equipment, including the risk assessment and design process
- The safety record of this type of crossing
- The provision of information for regular and occasional users of private level crossings
- Any underlying management or regulatory factors

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

Train hits van at level crossing in Lower Road, Teynham
     
Kent commuters were struggling to get home tonight after a train crash caused havoc to rush-hour rail services.

The incident happened at 3pm this afternoon when a high-speed Javelin train on its way to London St Pancras struck a delivery van on a level crossing near Teynham between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

The van driver, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with head injuries.

British Transport Police said officers were called to the scene at Frognal Farm crossing on the Lower Road after reports a train had struck a van. Kent Police and ambulance staff were also there.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The patient was fully conscious but had a head injury. The patient has been taken to Medway Maritime Hospital."

The spokesman added: "There is nothing to suggest anything life-changing but enough to need further treatment."

The train was left with a large gash ripped in its front nose cone. The front of the van's bonnet was ripped off in the collision.

Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:
“However, I believe that the vital lesson from this investigation is how important it is that each user worked crossing is managed in a way that takes into account the context in which it is used, and the needs and expectations of the people who may encounter it in the course of their everyday business. It is time for a fresh approach to this problem, for the sake of crossing users, train passengers and railway staff, who are all at risk.”

It does seem counterintuitive that the responsibility for using the crossing correctly lies neither with the person crossing nor with the railways but with someone who happens to occupy the land. And more importantly, that it has to be explained by anyone is a weakness; surely a safety-critical system which is accessible to the general public should be clear, self-explanatory and able to be used by anyone.

It does seem counterintuitive that the responsibility for using the crossing correctly lies neither with the person crossing nor with the railways but with someone who happens to occupy the land. And more importantly, that it has to be explained by anyone is a weakness; surely a safety-critical system which is accessible to the general public should be clear, self-explanatory and able to be used by anyone.