The Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission have published a joint report on the law governing level crossings.
There are between 7,500 and 8,000 level crossings on the railway network in Great Britain. Every year there are accidents on level crossings. These crossings can also cause considerable inconvenience to road users, pedestrians (particularly disabled users), horse riders and others.
The Law Commissions’ report recommends reform of the law aimed at:
- Improving the safety regime for level crossings by bringing it into line with that of the railway generally, while making such special provision as is necessary.
- Providing a new procedure to allow for the compulsory closure of level crossings.
- Clarifying the law relating to rights of way across railways.
Currently, safety is governed by a specific regime for level crossings alone (the Level Crossings Act 1983) which provides for inflexible and unresponsive orders, the legal status of which is uncertain. The proposed reforms would bring level crossings into the general Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 system, with special provision for level crossings plans to be made when it is desirable to do so.
There is no bespoke procedure for closing (if necessary, with replacement) road or private level crossings in England and Wales (only one for public footpath crossings), and none in Scotland. The proposals would create a new, speedy but fair system for compulsory closure.
Frances Patterson QC lead Commissioner at the Law Commission, said:
“These reforms will, if adopted by Government, make for a more efficient safety system for level crossings. It will also allow Network Rail to go further than they already have in closing as many level crossings as possible, reducing costs on both the railway and road networks”.
Dr Andrew Steven, lead Commissioner at the Scottish Law Commission said:
“Our recommendations provide a new legal framework for level crossings in Great Britain. In relation to Scotland we have sought carefully to draw a balance between the compelling need for safety on railway lines and the rights of the public to have access over land under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and common law.”
Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail Regulation, said:
“The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) welcomes the Law Commissions’ proposals to modernise level crossing legislation, which will cut red-tape and make it easier for high-risk crossings to be closed. Great Britain’s level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, pose a significant rail safety risk to the public. That is why we have announced millions of pounds’ worth of extra funds to close or upgrade level crossings over the next five years, and will work to support implementation of improved level crossing laws.”
The Commissions’ Report on Level Crossings is available at
http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/areas/level-crossings.htm
http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/publications/
Our recommendations (extract from report)
We published a report explaining and setting out our recommendations on 25 September 2013 (Law Commission Report No 339, Scottish Law Commission Report No 234), together with a draft Level Crossings Bill, draft Level Crossing Plans Regulations, an analysis of consultation responses and an economic impact assessment. Our recommendations would:
- Create a new, more streamlined procedure to close individual level crossings where it is in the public interest to do so.
- Bring safety regulation entirely under the umbrella of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
- Provide tools to support this under health and safety regulations, including level crossings plans, enforceable agreements between railway operators and other duty holders, and a power for the Secretary of State to issue directions if necessary.
- Improve the balance of convenience to all level crossing users by imposing a statutory duty upon railway and highway operators to consider the convenience of all users when carrying out their obligations in respect of level crossings.
- Improve efficiency and level crossing management by imposing a statutory duty on highway and railway operators to make arrangements to co-operate with each other in carrying out their obligations in respect of level crossings.
- Provide clarity in certain areas of land law about the position of statutory level crossings.
- Disapply statutory provisions relating to safety at level crossings, which have been superseded by more recent law or are otherwise obsolete.
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Blackminster Level Crossing, Worcestershire.
UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
ORR welcomes proposals for reform of level crossings law
The Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission today published a joint report which sets out plans to modernise, simplify and clarify the law governing level crossings.
Welcoming the report, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail Regulation, said:
"The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) welcomes the Law Commissions' proposals to modernise level crossing legislation, which will cut red-tape and make it easier for high-risk crossings to be closed. Great Britain’s level crossings, although among the safest in Europe, pose a significant rail safety risk to the public. That is why we have announced millions of pounds' worth of extra funds to close or upgrade level crossings over the next five years, and will work to support implementation of improved level crossing laws."
International Railway Journal
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BOMBARDIER presented the first Régio 2N double-deck emu to French National Railways (SNCF) president Mr Guillaume Pepy and representatives of regional governments at its Crespin plant in northeast France on September 25.
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First Alstom Regiolis train arrives in Lorraine region of France
Alstom has delivered the first of ten Régiolis bimodal trains to the French region of Lorraine, marking a key step in the roll out of the country's next-generation regional trains.
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GOV.UK
New leadership of HS2 announced
Sir David Higgins announced as new chairman of HS2 Ltd.
Doug Oakervee has announced today (25 September 2013) that he will be standing down as Chairman of HS2 Ltd at the end of the year.
His successor has been announced as current Network Rail Chief Executive Sir David Higgins, who will join HS2 Ltd on 1st January 2014 on a part time basis before taking up the post full time from March.
Doug Oakervee, a distinguished civil engineer and former Chairman of Crossrail Ltd, took up the post of HS2 Ltd Chairman in April 2012. He has overseen the development of the detailed proposals for the new High Speed 2 line and laid a firm foundation for the delivery of the largest rail project seen in the UK in more than 100 years.
Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said:
The fantastic work that Doug Oakervee has delivered as Chairman of HS2 Ltd is testament to the experience and expertise that he brought to this role.
His energy and professionalism have ensured that the detailed proposals for Phase 1 of the country’s first high speed line north of London will be introduced to Parliament on schedule later this year.
The appointment of Sir David Higgins to replace Doug Oakervee ensures that we will continue to have leaders at the heart of HS2 who have a track record of delivery. His experience at both Network Rail and as Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority – where he oversaw construction of the magnificent Olympic Park, a legacy which will be enjoyed by generations – will be essential to ensure we deliver HS2 on time and on budget.
Mr Oakervee will remain in post to oversee the introduction of the government’s Hybrid Bill before the end of this year. The Bill will secure parliamentary approval for Phase 1 of the 350 mile route between London and Birmingham, allowing work to start in 2017 and freeing-up essential capacity for passengers and freight across the rail network.
HS2 Ltd Chairman Doug Oakervee said:
I believe HS2 is vital to the growth of the UK economy and will deliver the capacity our rail network sorely needs. Sir David is the right man to continue the delivery of this project. I am delighted at his appointment and am confident that alongside Alison Munro our Chief Executive he will continue to drive the scheme forward.
I am proud of all that I have achieved, particularly that we will be bringing the Hybrid Bill to Parliament by the end of the year, after which I will be standing down. I am pleased to have been able to play a key role in delivering this project which will serve the country for many generations to come.
Chief Executive of Network Rail Sir David Higgins said:
I am delighted to be taking up this role. Working at Network Rail I know the challenges we have ahead with capacity on the railways – they are real and we need to take action now. I also know the significant benefits that improved journey times between our northern cities will bring not just to the north, but the UK economy as a whole.
HS2 is the right solution. It is vital for both passengers and the economy and will put the UK in a different league in terms of infrastructure. My first priority will be to rigorously scrutinise costs to ensure they remain under control.
HS2 presents a strategic opportunity for this country and I am determined to make sure we take it by delivering a railway that will allow business and communities to prosper in the long term.
Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd Alison Munro said:
Doug Oakervee has been an inspirational Chairman who brought industry knowledge and a proven track record of delivering large, complex rail projects to his tenure at HS2 Ltd.
In David Higgins HS2 Ltd has secured a proven leader with drive, passion and experience.
Our new Chairman will bring with him a fantastic track record of delivery thanks to the success of the London Olympic Games. My team and I look forward to working with him as we move into the next chapter of delivering this vital project.
Bombardier
Bombardier Presents its New OMNEO Double-deck Platform in France: the Regio 2N
With the BOMBARDIER OMNEO double-deck train, Bombardier adds a new product platform to its EMU double-deck portfolio
A multi-type platform to meet a wide range of needs: from high capacity suburban to a more comfortable intercity, while integrating regional travel
The 129 double-deck trains ordered will operate in the Regions of Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes
Courtesy: Bombardier
Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation today presented the first OMNEO train to the vice presidents for transportation of various French regions and Guillaume Pepy, Chief Executive Officer of SNCF, at Bombardier’s site in Crespin in Northern France. This new double-deck train, named Regio 2N by the French regions, is wider than conventional EMUs. It offers a new level of passenger comfort through more onboard space, maximum seating, large access platforms with two wide doors, and quiet cars for long journeys. The Regio 2N platform is available in various configurations, from six to 10 cars, with a total length of between 81 m and 135 m. It is capable of travelling at speeds of between 160 km/h and 200 km/h.
Representatives of the Transport Ministry and the Ministry of Industrial Renewal were also present, as well as Lutz Bertling, President of Bombardier Transportation.
Bombardier has built nine test trains to allow the thousands of tests required for homologation to be conducted simultaneously. The fully-fitted Regio 2N train on show is the eighth of these special trains. While waiting for certification, several trains will run test journeys from January 2014 to allow SNCF’s staff to operate them and to check operational reliability before full commissioning.
At Bombardier's site near Valenciennes, the Regio 2N project teams are ready to ensure production and delivery of all 129 trains within only two years.
To date, the regions Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes have placed firm orders for 129 Regio 2N trains. The contract allows for a maximum of 860 trains.
“The increasing use of regional trains in France reflects the Regions’ successful efforts to facilitate sustainable and comfortable mobility of their populations,” said Lutz Bertling, President of Bombardier Transportation. “This train is the right choice to meet the future needs of regional transportation not only because of its large capacity, passenger comfort and high performance but also thanks to the many configurations available, such as the InterCity V200 version. Bombardier’s Crespin teams have met an outstanding technical challenge by delivering a completely new industrial product as complex as this one, and in such a short time-frame.”
OMNEO is the latest product of the Bombardier double-deck EMU portfolio. Offering high capacity in densely populated areas and fast speed on intercity rail links, double-deck trains are central to an eco-friendly and comfortable rail transportation, moving millions of people every day. Bombardier’s portfolio is well positioned to meet the demand of market growth in this sector. UNIFE research shows that demand for regional trains should remain high, reaching 4,000 cars per year in the period 2014 to 2016. France, Germany and the UK are forecast to represent more than half of the world’s regional train market. In the regional segment, the share of double-deck trains is increasing due to the constant need for increased capacity.
Alstom
Alstom delivers first Regiolis train to Lorraine Region
23/09/2013
Alstom delivered on Saturday 21 September at the Metz train station, the first Regiolis train to Lorraine Region (north-east of France). Attending the event were Jean-Pierre Masseret, Lorraine Regional Council Chairman, Alain Autruffe, SNCF Lorraine Director, Claude Solar, SNCF Regions and Intercités Director and Jérôme Wallut, Alstom Transport France Managing Director. Lorraine is France’s second region (after Aquitaine in July 2013) to receive its next-generation regional train.
The arrival of Regiolis trains in Lorraine has closely followed the inauguration of Alstom’s Regiolis After-Sales Service premises on September 5th 2013 at the SNCF Technicentre in Metz. Alstom teams are on hand to take part in the training of drivers and maintenance teams.
To date, 182 Regiolis trains have been ordered for 12 of France’s regions, as part of the contract signed by Alstom and SNCF in 2009. The Lorraine Region ordered 10 Regiolis bimodal trains (diesel or electric (dual voltage 25 kV / 1,500 V)), 72 metres in length and with capacity for up to 219 seated passengers. On top of the standard layout, Regiolis trains in the Lorraine Region will feature extra equipment like a passenger-counting system, a space for bike storage and door-recognition assistance.
Regiolis trains have travelled around 250,000 km and are due to complete the certification phase in October 2013. They will be put into service upon receiving their AMECs (Commercial Operation Permits), issued by the EPSF (French Railway Safety Board). Thanks to the hard work performed by SNCF and all the players in France’s rail business channel, about 100 Regiolis trains will have been delivered by late 2014. Besides the Lorraine Region, trains for Alsace, Aquitaine, Lower Normandy and Picardie will be available as of 2013. Initial commercial service will begin in 2014.
Regiolis trains are from the Alstom’s Coradia range. They are modular and can be adapted to the needs of every region: they come in three lengths (56, 72 or 110 metres), with a choice of four comfort levels to suit the travel distance (suburban, regional or intercity), and features a bimodal (diesel/electric) or electric drive. Regiolis trains are ecological and economical on account of their low energy use and reduced maintenance costs. Lastly, they are accessible to everyone thanks to their integral, platform-height low floor.
Manufacturing Regiolis trains generates over 4,000 jobs in France at Alstom’s and its suppliers. Six out of the ten Alstom facilities in France are taking part in the project: Reichshoffen (design and assembly), Ornans (engines), Le Creusot (bogies), Tarbes (drive chains), Villeurbanne (on-board computers) and Saint-Ouen (design).
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