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Journey by Journey => Thames Valley Branches => Topic started by: grahame on June 11, 2020, 12:13:42



Title: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on June 11, 2020, 12:13:42
From Network Rail Media Centre (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/shocking-picture-captures-the-moment-a-child-was-left-on-tracks-as-worrying-stats-show-surge-in-people-risking-their-lives-at-level-crossings)

Quote
Shocking picture captures the moment a child was left on tracks as worrying stats show surge in people risking their lives at level crossings

Network Rail and British Transport Police are concerned at the dramatic increase in the number of people risking their lives at level crossings after a surge in people not using them correctly.

The worrying trend includes on the Marlow branch line where 16 people have risked their life since March 23, an increase of 433% on the same period last year, with seven of those resulting in people almost being hit by a train.

One of the most shocking incidents took place on May 24 at Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire where a small child in a pushchair was left in the middle of the tracks just so the irresponsible adult with them could take a picture.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/marlowxc2.jpg)

Another image at the same level crossing shows someone kneeling on the track while holding a dog, again so a picture could be taken.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/marlowxc1.jpg)

Meanwhile a few miles away at Mill Lane level crossing, footage shows two people almost walk out in front of a moving train before rushing back to safety.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/marlowxc3.jpg)
(A frame from the video from the train's camera - see linked source for full video)

The warning for people not to risk their life comes as the number of services on the railway are starting to be increased with trains on some lines travelling up to 125mph with a stopping distance of more than a mile.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “It is shocking to see people unnecessarily risk their life and it is happening too often.

“When people lose their lives through not using level crossings correctly it’s tragic, not only for the families involved but also the drivers, passengers and wider communities.

“We strongly urge people using crossings, to stop, look, listen and stay alive.”

Darren Burridge, British Transport Police embedded inspector said: “Thousands of people use level crossings safely across the rail network each year.

“To do this it is essential that users take the time to stop, look and listen at the crossing, follow any guidance on the signage, avoid distractions and in particular, at Mill Lane, allow yourself plenty of time to cross avoiding going lineside while a train is in view.”

Rob Beveridge, ORR lead for footpath crossings on the Western Route said: “Great Britain's level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, still pose a significant safety risk to the public.

“Since lockdown, we’ve become aware of an increase in the number of near miss incidents at level crossings on this line and we urge the public to stay safe, follow the directions on the signs, and get clear.”

Ian Aston, Network Rail’s level crossing manger, said: “While it’s understandable that people want to get out of the house after having been locked down for so long, it’s really important that safety doesn’t go out the window.

“Since lockdown began, there have been four times as many incidents along the Marlow branch line compared to the same time last year, so it’s vital that users pay attention, obey the signs and take extra care when crossing the railway to prevent more near misses, or worse, serious injury or death.”

Edit to add images


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Bmblbzzz on June 11, 2020, 14:01:48
Could just be down to the increased number of people out and about on foot since lockdown began, though we might also infer that people have been taking less care because they assume the trains are not running.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: AMLAG on June 11, 2020, 15:31:29
Mind you with lots of vegetation/weeds growing in the track around the foot crossing, broken notices and a general (and increasingly typical) uncared for impression, a person not familiar with the local area and railways could be forgiven for thinking the line was not in use.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Surrey 455 on June 12, 2020, 10:38:44
The reason that Network Rail released those images yesterday was that it was International Level Crossing Awareness Day. I'm surprised that they didn't mention that in the article.

But they did in this tweet.
https://twitter.com/NetworkRailWssx/status/1270979218189492224


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: JontyMort on June 12, 2020, 14:11:22
Mind you with lots of vegetation/weeds growing in the track around the foot crossing, broken notices and a general (and increasingly typical) uncared for impression, a person not familiar with the local area and railways could be forgiven for thinking the line was not in use.

Except that the rails are very shiny.

And why are the faces of these idiots blanked out?


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: SandTEngineer on June 12, 2020, 14:33:30
Mind you with lots of vegetation/weeds growing in the track around the foot crossing, broken notices and a general (and increasingly typical) uncared for impression, a person not familiar with the local area and railways could be forgiven for thinking the line was not in use.

Except that the rails are very shiny.

And why are the faces of these idiots blanked out?

I think you have missed the point AMLAG was making.  That was, censoring people for missusing a level crossing when you yourself don't ensure the asset you are responsible for is looked after correctly as well.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Fourbee on June 12, 2020, 15:34:14
With parents often accompanying children on small cycles a little way ahead, it is essential that the return on gates (where fitted) are working properly too as well as signage and other maintenance. This stuff should be bread and butter really.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Bmblbzzz on June 12, 2020, 20:59:45
Talking of gates, I was under the impression that where footpaths or cycle paths cross tracks, gates should open outwards – that is, away from the tracks – and there should be a certain minimum distance (which I can't remember, might have been 2m – idea being there's space for an average bike between rails and gate) between gate and rails. However, I can think of some instances, for instance on the Westerleigh oil terminal line, where this isn't the case.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Electric train on June 13, 2020, 08:14:41
Talking of gates, I was under the impression that where footpaths or cycle paths cross tracks, gates should open outwards – that is, away from the tracks – and there should be a certain minimum distance (which I can't remember, might have been 2m – idea being there's space for an average bike between rails and gate) between gate and rails. However, I can think of some instances, for instance on the Westerleigh oil terminal line, where this isn't the case.

There is likely to be foot crossing that do not meet the current requirements and standards, the change in the requirement would not be immediately retrospective but based on the level crossing risk assessment.

I'm not involved in level crossing risk assessments but I suspect it will include line speed, density of rail traffic and public use, sighting distances and probably a whole list of other factors.  The changes to bring a crossing to modern standards will be prioritised on the risk assessment.

The risk assessment and the costs to bring a crossing to standard is used by NR as factors to recommend closing a crossing to local Authorities


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: stuving on June 13, 2020, 11:29:33
Network Rail now publish a lot of detailed data about level crossings on their web site (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/). There are several linked pages, and among the downloads is an Excel file containing the assessment data for all crossings (https://cdn.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Level-Crossings-data-April-2020.xlsx), including ALCRM risk codes (though only a general explanation of these). There are a few examples of full ("narrative") assessments too, in their set of FOI responses ("Discolsure log (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/transparency-and-ethics/freedom-of-information-foi/disclosure-log/)").

You might also like to have a poke about in Network Rail's Safety Central (https://safety.networkrail.co.uk/), which has a lot of downloadable content. Only a small fraction is about level crossings, but you will find Network Rail's own safety bulletins, for example, as well as loads of guides, instructions, videos, etc.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 13, 2020, 13:16:49
Talking of gates, I was under the impression that where footpaths or cycle paths cross tracks, gates should open outwards – that is, away from the tracks – and there should be a certain minimum distance (which I can't remember, might have been 2m – idea being there's space for an average bike between rails and gate) between gate and rails. However, I can think of some instances, for instance on the Westerleigh oil terminal line, where this isn't the case.

Bearing in mnd the speed of trains arriving and departing from Westerleigh and visibilty sight lines, I wouldn't have thought that there was a problem that needed resolving there


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: SandTEngineer on June 23, 2020, 19:09:29
From this weeks NR operating notice:

Quote
GW185 MAIDENHEAD TO MARLOW
BETWEEN MAIDENHEAD AND MARLOW UNTIL FRIDAY 02 OCTOBER 2020
An additional whistle board has been provided above the existing one, in both direction at the crossings shown below, requiring drivers sound both the high and low tones on the horn
Spade Oak at 0m 58ch
Vineyard 2 at 1m 08ch
Ivory Field at 1m 76ch
Mill Lane at 2m 29ch


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on June 24, 2020, 06:46:12
From this weeks NR operating notice:

Quote
GW185 MAIDENHEAD TO MARLOW
BETWEEN MAIDENHEAD AND MARLOW UNTIL FRIDAY 02 OCTOBER 2020
An additional whistle board has been provided above the existing one, in both direction at the crossings shown below, requiring drivers sound both the high and low tones on the horn
Spade Oak at 0m 58ch
Vineyard 2 at 1m 08ch
Ivory Field at 1m 76ch
Mill Lane at 2m 29ch

Good.   I wonder whether there will be residents complaints about the noise of train horns like we've had in my home town ... (and to be fair, as I understand it, it was multiple complaints from a single household)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: bobm on June 24, 2020, 15:31:23
Looks like this double whistle board answers the question I posed on the Golden Valley Line a few years back.

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17205.0 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17205.0)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: patch38 on June 24, 2020, 16:31:01
Looks like this double whistle board answers the question I posed on the Golden Valley Line a few years back.

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17205.0 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17205.0)

As does this page: https://www.railsigns.uk/sect15page1/sect15page1.html (https://www.railsigns.uk/sect15page1/sect15page1.html)

...which specifically mentions Kemble to Standish Jcn.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on June 25, 2020, 15:46:13
From the Swindon Advertiser (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/18540514.warning-number-near-misses-trespassing-train-tracks-rises/)

Quote
The number of near-misses and trespassing incidents on railway tracks has risen sharply, according to the Office of Rail and Road.

The rail regulator is urging people to stop taking unnecessary risks around the train lines.

Figures from Network Rail show trespassers disrupted vital passenger and freight services across Britain 1,024 times between March 23 and 26 April 26 -an average of 34 incidents a day This is a 25 per cent increase from 818 incidents in the same period last year. The ORR has followed up a number of reported incidents, and believes that in most cases, an error of judgement was the main factor.

etc

With a STUPID picture taken from the middle of a track illustrating the very place people should NOT linger!

Leading to a promotion of http://youvstrain.co.uk


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: JayMac on June 26, 2020, 23:00:22
 I was going to point out the stupid use of the picture in the 'comments' section of the article. Someone with a familiar name beat me to it...  ;)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: IndustryInsider on June 26, 2020, 23:51:36
I was going to point out the stupid use of the picture in the 'comments' section of the article. Someone with a familiar name beat me to it...  ;)

That can’t be our Graham.  He spelt advice correctly!  ;)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: JayMac on June 28, 2020, 18:09:56
Our Graham?

Wasn't he the announcer on ITV's Blind Date?


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on June 29, 2020, 04:38:36
Quote
BETWEEN BOURNE END AND MARLOW - FROM 16:00 HOURS THURSDAY 9 JULY 2020
From the above time and date, Mill Lane footpath crossing at 2m 29ch will be converted to an Overlay Miniature Stop Light crossing (OMSL) with audible emitter system.


Quote
BETWEEN BOURNE END AND MARLOW - FROM 16:00 HOURS THURSDAY 9 JULY 2020
From the above time and date, Upper Thames Sailing Club User Worked Crossing at 0m 37ch will be converted to an Overlay Miniature Stop Light crossing (OMSL) with audible emitter system.
At the same time, works will be carried out to the crossing gates and the crossing surface.

And an OMSL is ...

Quote
Overlay Miniature Stop Light (OMSL) level crossing

Certain level crossings are provided with overlay miniature stop light equipment. Like conventional Miniature Stop Light (MSL) crossings, these provide indications to the users of the crossings on whether it is safe to cross (green) or not safe to cross (red). The system is designed to overlay existing infrastructure without interacting with it (Note: I-OMSL type crossing will interact), however permissible speeds in the wrong direction on the approach should be identified on multiple track lines by wrong direction speed boards. The system is usually activated by wheel sensors that operate in a similar way to axle counters – when they detect a train they set the lights to red, when the train hits the strike out sensor the lights go to green.
 
Where a system failure is detected or operational scenario (e.g. train failure, engineering works) may incur the red indication for excessive periods, user indications are suppressed and the lights go into ‘dark mode’. On encountering this mode the user is directed on safe operation by the signage provided, however they can be reactivated by another train passing or through a manual reset.

All staff should note that, like axle counters, using metal tools or simply passing within a metre wearing safety boots can cause activation of these sensors, and should be avoided.

I think these are similar to the setup on the Westbury avoider (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17549.msg280955#msg280955), though that is silent, I think?   How many other crossings already equipped?


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: CyclingSid on June 29, 2020, 07:07:59
I think Farnborough North is one of these, or similar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnborough_North_railway_station#/media/File:Farnborough_north_crossing.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnborough_North_railway_station#/media/File:Farnborough_north_crossing.jpg)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Fourbee on June 29, 2020, 12:51:09
I think Farnborough North is one of these, or similar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnborough_North_railway_station#/media/File:Farnborough_north_crossing.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnborough_North_railway_station#/media/File:Farnborough_north_crossing.jpg)

I think the Farnborough North one had the audio added later (audio sounds a bit like a full barrier level crossing, but continuous when a red light is showing). Might have been around the same time the monitoring hut/shed was added.

I think there are magnetic holds on the gates controlled from the hut as well?

Presumably this crossing is in one of the higher risk categories.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Bmblbzzz on June 29, 2020, 13:20:26
Purton, just north of Swindon, and Haresfield, south of Gloucester, have a similar set up. Both are silent.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: CyclingSid on August 06, 2020, 06:48:39
It's that time of year for promoting level crossing safety. Network Rail working with cycling
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/how-keep-safe-level-crossings (https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/how-keep-safe-level-crossings)
Probably nothing new to users of this forum.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: bradshaw on October 12, 2020, 19:27:02
This from the BBC, concerning trespass at Crewkerne Gates
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-54508740


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: ellendune on October 12, 2020, 20:59:42
This from the BBC, concerning trespass at Crewkerne Gates
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-54508740

Quote
Network Rail issued a warning that live rails carry 750 volts of electricity, which can kill.

Has 3rd rail been extended further west as far as Crewkerne while I wasn't looking?


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: stuving on October 12, 2020, 22:09:58
This from the BBC, concerning trespass at Crewkerne Gates
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-54508740

Quote
Network Rail issued a warning that live rails carry 750 volts of electricity, which can kill.

Has 3rd rail been extended further west as far as Crewkerne while I wasn't looking?

Not, but current journalistic standards have, perhaps, been extended to the BBC. What NR's statement said was:
Quote
Young children caught trespassing on the railway in Crewkerne

Network Rail is urging parents to warn their children about the dangers of trespassing on the railway as three children were spotted risking their lives by accessing the tracks via a level crossing near Crewkerne in Somerset.

The incident was seen by a South Western Railway train driver, who stopped his train and asked them to leave the line.

The three children believed to be between the ages of 6 to 9 were seen entering the railway between Crewkerne station and the level crossing on 26 September just before 2pm

Network Rail is warning people to stay off the railway as it could cost you your life. Not only are there trains, but in most of the South Western Railway network there are live rails carrying 750 volts of electricity, which can kill.

Marcia Burnett, community safety manager for Network Rail Wessex, said: ?Trespassing is extremely dangerous and it is never safe to hang around on the railway.

?It?s vital that we make children and young people aware of the dangers and the devastating consequences that trespassing can have by educating them, and by setting an example.?


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: CyclingSid on October 14, 2020, 10:04:37
Not our patch
https://road.cc/content/news/video-level-crossing-cyclist-almost-hit-80mph-train-277943 (https://road.cc/content/news/video-level-crossing-cyclist-almost-hit-80mph-train-277943)
The rail network owner and infrastructure manager has issued footage of the incident, which happened at the Dog Kennel foot crossing on Ashford Road in Chartham at around 7.50am, shot from the train?s cab.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on October 19, 2020, 19:33:26
Not our patch

And another ... the Yorkshire Post (https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/shocking-photo-shows-couple-posing-wedding-shoot-railway-line-near-whitby-3008397)

Quote
A newly-married couple have been shamed by Network Rail for having what appear to be official wedding photos taken on a level crossing.

The pair were caught on CCTV posing on the tracks near Whitby this summer, with a bridesmaid also trespassing - ironically to hold the bride's train.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: smokey on October 20, 2020, 14:09:33
One real backward move by the Rail industry was to drop the second tone on warnings given by Trains.  ???

A single note warning horn is too much like a car horn, and the first tone warning was like "Call attention" and the Second "CONFIRMED" the approaching train.

Also background noise might suppress one of the tones, and some people with hearing problems might not hear a low tone but will hear a high tone or versa vice.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: MVR S&T on January 14, 2021, 23:27:24
Another idiot:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-55666013

Taking photos of a car for tik tok.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Bmblbzzz on January 15, 2021, 01:32:00
 :o ::)


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: eightonedee on January 15, 2021, 09:16:04
At least it looks like they were considerate in showing clearly their registration plate so that someone can trace them and send them a summons!


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: Marlburian on January 15, 2021, 18:10:59
Idiot twice over in that case.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on January 22, 2021, 16:23:41
From The BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-55764693)

Quote
Tidemills level crossing: Woman lies on tracks for photo

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tidemills.jpg)

A woman has been caught on CCTV lying on a level crossing to pose for a photograph, prompting a warning from rail bosses.
Network Rail said it was the 17th incident recorded on the crossing, at Tidemills, East Sussex, in the last nine months.

Fifteen of those incidents involved near misses with trains, compared to three in 2019.

Level crossing manager Tracy Partridge said she was "concerned".

She warned: "We cannot stress enough the danger that people are placing themselves in when they don't use a crossing safely.

"A split-second decision can have life-changing consequences, not only for those involved, but also for their family and friends, train drivers and railway workers."

Seaford branch, just to the east of Newhaven??


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: bradshaw on January 22, 2021, 17:27:03
Yes, it is a popular walking area with the remains of the Bishopstone tide mill close by.


Title: Re: Misuse of level crossings - highlighting but not limited to Marlow branch
Post by: grahame on October 10, 2023, 13:53:14
This time the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-67054939) on west of Reading

Quote
Network Rail said the majority of incidents on the line had happened near stations or level crossings, and said Gloucester, Cheltenham, Trowbridge, Bridgwater, Plymouth and Bristol were hotspots.

It warned people of the risks of trespassing on train tracks, including being struck by a train or possible electrification.

Dark humour - but I thought electrification was a good thing?



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