Transport Committee launch inquiry into safety at level crossings
The Transport Committee is today calling for evidence on safety at level crossings. This inquiry was outlined in the Committee’s recent report setting out its future work programme for 2013/14.
The Chair of the Committee, Louise Ellman MP, said:
“There are safety risks surrounding level crossings where 6 people tragically lost their lives in 2012 alone. Network Rail has committed to cutting risk at level crossings by 25% by March 2014. We would like to hear about how this strategy is being implemented and what more can be done to boost safety. The Committee has received many letters on this subject. I am pleased to be able to launch this inquiry today.”
The Committee intends to hear oral evidence in the Autumn. Ahead of this, it would like to receive written evidence on the following points:
- Are current safety measures at level crossings adequate? How should they be improved?
- In addition to bridges and underpasses what other cost-effective measures can be introduced to replace or improve safety at level crossings?
- How should expenditure on improving safety at level crossings be prioritised in relation to other demands on the rail budget?
- Is Network Rail giving sufficient priority to improving safety at level crossings?
- Is Government policy and regulatory action by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) in relation to safety at level crossings adequate? What more should the Government and ORR do?
- How should the legislation governing level crossings be updated?
- How should public awareness of safety at level crossings be improved?
As part of a scheme to encourage paperless working and maximise efficiency, the Committee is using a new web portal for online submissions of written evidence. Written submissions for this inquiry should therefore be sent via the Transport Committee website- Please click the link here: Written evidence
Notes on the submission of written evidence
It assists the Committee if those submitting written evidence adhere to the following guidelines:
- Written submissions should be as short as is consistent with conveying the relevant information. As a rough guide, it is usually helpful if they can be confined to six pages or less. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference. A summary of the main points at the start of the submission is sometimes helpful.
- Evidence should be submitted via the appropriate inquiry page on the Transport Committee website in Word or Rich Text format, with as little use of colour and images as possible. If you wish to submit written evidence to the Committee in another format you must contact a member of staff to discuss this. When making a submission you should include a contact name, telephone number and postal address. It should be absolutely clear who the submission is from, particularly whether it is on behalf of an organisation or in the name of an individual.
- Once accepted by the Committee, written evidence becomes the Committee’s property and it may decide to publish it or make other public use of it. If the Committee decides to accept your contribution as evidence we will email you formally accepting it as such. You may publicise or publish your submission yourself, once you receive the formal acceptance of your evidence to the Committee. When doing so, please indicate that it has been submitted to the Committee.
- The Committee will usually publish the majority of written evidence that is received, but some submissions will be placed in the Parliamentary Archives for public inspection rather than being printed or published online. If you do not wish your submission to be made public, you must clearly say so, and should contact a member of staff to discuss this. Though the Committee is happy to receive copies of published material or correspondence sent to other parties, formal submissions of evidence should be original work produced for the Committee and not published elsewhere.
- Committee staff are happy to give more detailed guidance on giving evidence to a select committee, or further advice on any aspect of the Committee’s work, by phone or e-mail.
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.Network Rail
Network Rail closes one in ten of Britain’s level crossings
Prior to the closure of Moors Gorse, cyclists and walkers had to negotiate two sets of gates to cross the busy Cannock railway line, where trains travel at up to 50mph. It has now been replaced with a bridge which can manage the safe passage of up to 3,000 cyclists – a vital improvement after new mountain bike trails opened recently in the forest, massively increasing the number of people using the crossing.
The majority of crossing closures carried out by Network Rail involve ‘user worked’ crossings, which are mostly on private land with no public right of way. While often situated in rural areas, many cross busy main lines. The barriers or gates need to be operated by the person crossing and warning measures include miniature warning lights, signs or telephones. In many cases an alternative access for the user is either available or has been provided to secure closure. Around 125 footpath crossings have also been closed as part of Network Rail’s improvement programme and footpath crossings are the focus of the company’s current TV advertising campaign: See Track/Think Train. Martin Gallagher, head of level crossings for Network Rail, said: “The surest way to remove the risk of someone being struck by a train at a level crossing is to close it. Since 2009 we've closed 700 and are on course to meet our target of closing 750 by spring next year, but there is much more work to do. Closing a level crossing is not always an easy process and we often need the support of landowners, local authorities and users. I look to their continued support as we aim to improve safety and modernise the rail network for the future."
The majority of crossing closures carried out by Network Rail involve ‘user worked’ crossings, which are mostly on private land with no public right of way. While often situated in rural areas, many cross busy main lines. The barriers or gates need to be operated by the person crossing and warning measures include miniature warning lights, signs or telephones. In many cases an alternative access for the user is either available or has been provided to secure closure. Around 125 footpath crossings have also been closed as part of Network Rail’s improvement programme and footpath crossings are the focus of the company’s current TV advertising campaign: See Track/Think Train. Martin Gallagher, head of level crossings for Network Rail, said: “The surest way to remove the risk of someone being struck by a train at a level crossing is to close it. Since 2009 we've closed 700 and are on course to meet our target of closing 750 by spring next year, but there is much more work to do. Closing a level crossing is not always an easy process and we often need the support of landowners, local authorities and users. I look to their continued support as we aim to improve safety and modernise the rail network for the future."
Investment to provide passengers with better station access in south east London and Kent
Eight stations in south east London and Kent are to benefit from an £18.5m investment which will improve passengers’ access to trains and platforms.
The funding is from the Department for Transport’s £380m Access for All scheme which is delivering step free access from street to platform at around 150 stations nationwide.
Network Rail will deliver the improvements which not only benefit passengers with disabilities but also those with young children or heavy bags.
Stations at Bearsted, Bexleyheath, Brockley, Honor Oak Park, New Eltham, Strood, New Cross and New Cross Gate will all benefit from the improvements.
Transport minister Norman Baker MP said: “The Access for All scheme is making a real difference to people using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities.”
Fiona Taylor, route managing director for the Kent route, said: “Improving access at stations is an important part of building a bigger and better railway. These improvements will increase the number of easy-to-use stations in south east London and Kent, providing passengers with even more fully accessible journey options. As the railway is used by more and more passengers, we will continue to invest and make improvements whenever and wherever possible.”
Details of improvements at each station include:
Bearsted: starts August 2013
The existing footbridge will be enhanced by installing lifts to provide step-free access to each platform.
Bexleyheath: starts August 2013
The existing footbridge will be enhanced by installing lifts to provide step free access to each platform.
Brockley: starts July 2013
The existing footbridge on platform 1 will be altered by installing a lift to provide step free access to London bound trains.
Honor Oak Park: starts July 2013
The existing enclosed footbridge will be altered by installing two new lifts to provide level access directly from the station booking hall and step free access to each platform.
New Eltham: starts July 2013
The existing footbridge and stairs will be demolished to make way for a new footbridge and stairs together with two new lifts to provide step free access to each platform. A temporary footbridge and stairs will be installed until the work is complete.
Strood: starts July 2013
A new, wider footbridge and two lifts will be provided at the end of platform 1 and on platforms 2 and 3 to provide step free access. Improvements will be made to the existing underpass to provide extra space when accessing platforms.
New Cross: starts July 2013
A new footbridge and two new lifts and a new staircase will provide step free access to each platform.
New Cross Gate: starts July 2013
The existing staircases and elevated walkway to all platforms will be demolished to make way for a new high level walkway structure and three new lifts to provide step free access to each platform.
All improvements at the stations are due to be completed by summer 2014.
Proposals have been made to carry out Access for All work at Grove Park station and discussions about the improvements are ongoing.
Network Rail will deliver the improvements which not only benefit passengers with disabilities but also those with young children or heavy bags.
Stations at Bearsted, Bexleyheath, Brockley, Honor Oak Park, New Eltham, Strood, New Cross and New Cross Gate will all benefit from the improvements.
Transport minister Norman Baker MP said: “The Access for All scheme is making a real difference to people using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing step-free routes gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities.”
Fiona Taylor, route managing director for the Kent route, said: “Improving access at stations is an important part of building a bigger and better railway. These improvements will increase the number of easy-to-use stations in south east London and Kent, providing passengers with even more fully accessible journey options. As the railway is used by more and more passengers, we will continue to invest and make improvements whenever and wherever possible.”
Details of improvements at each station include:
Bearsted: starts August 2013
The existing footbridge will be enhanced by installing lifts to provide step-free access to each platform.
Bexleyheath: starts August 2013
The existing footbridge will be enhanced by installing lifts to provide step free access to each platform.
Brockley: starts July 2013
The existing footbridge on platform 1 will be altered by installing a lift to provide step free access to London bound trains.
Honor Oak Park: starts July 2013
The existing enclosed footbridge will be altered by installing two new lifts to provide level access directly from the station booking hall and step free access to each platform.
New Eltham: starts July 2013
The existing footbridge and stairs will be demolished to make way for a new footbridge and stairs together with two new lifts to provide step free access to each platform. A temporary footbridge and stairs will be installed until the work is complete.
Strood: starts July 2013
A new, wider footbridge and two lifts will be provided at the end of platform 1 and on platforms 2 and 3 to provide step free access. Improvements will be made to the existing underpass to provide extra space when accessing platforms.
New Cross: starts July 2013
A new footbridge and two new lifts and a new staircase will provide step free access to each platform.
New Cross Gate: starts July 2013
The existing staircases and elevated walkway to all platforms will be demolished to make way for a new high level walkway structure and three new lifts to provide step free access to each platform.
All improvements at the stations are due to be completed by summer 2014.
Proposals have been made to carry out Access for All work at Grove Park station and discussions about the improvements are ongoing.
Improvements to provide additional capacity and longer platforms at Falmer station
Network Rail is to invest more than £2m to provide additional capacity on the line between Brighton and Lewes and lengthen platforms at Falmer station.
Resignalling work will be carried out which will allow for more trains to safely use the line at any one time, increasing the available capacity on the line.
The announcement will benefit fans of Brighton and Hove Albion Football who will have easier access to platforms as all eight carriages will be in use to get on or off the train, rather than the current seven maximum.
Simon Chapman, Network Rail’s route enhancement manager for Sussex, said: “These improvements will provide extra capacity on the well-used line between Brighton and Lewes and provide passengers using Falmer station with better access between the train and platforms.
“As Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the surrounding area continue to grow, the station must evolve too and this work will help to provide a better gateway for fans and passengers who travel there by train.”
Network Rail discussed the improvements when it recently met with Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.
The current signalling in the area dates back to the 1980s and the investment will improve the infrastructure to help meet the needs of a growing and increasingly in-demand railway.
Work to lengthen the platforms is due to be completed by December 2013 and the resignalling work is due to be completed by spring 2014.
Easier access for passengers at Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Passengers using Horton-in-Ribblesdale station on the Settle and Carlisle line can now enjoy better access between the platform and the train following the completion of a project to install an easier access area on the southbound platform.
The announcement will benefit fans of Brighton and Hove Albion Football who will have easier access to platforms as all eight carriages will be in use to get on or off the train, rather than the current seven maximum.
Simon Chapman, Network Rail’s route enhancement manager for Sussex, said: “These improvements will provide extra capacity on the well-used line between Brighton and Lewes and provide passengers using Falmer station with better access between the train and platforms.
“As Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the surrounding area continue to grow, the station must evolve too and this work will help to provide a better gateway for fans and passengers who travel there by train.”
Network Rail discussed the improvements when it recently met with Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.
The current signalling in the area dates back to the 1980s and the investment will improve the infrastructure to help meet the needs of a growing and increasingly in-demand railway.
Work to lengthen the platforms is due to be completed by December 2013 and the resignalling work is due to be completed by spring 2014.
Easier access for passengers at Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Passengers using Horton-in-Ribblesdale station on the Settle and Carlisle line can now enjoy better access between the platform and the train following the completion of a project to install an easier access area on the southbound platform.
The £5m project will provide easier access on 80 platforms at 62 stations in England and Wales and Horton-in-Ribblesdale is one of the first to see the benefit of this investment. The project follows the pioneering work undertaken at Harrington in Cumbria.
The easier access areas are a modular system used to raise the height of platforms which in the past have been too low for some passengers to use.
Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director explained: “Passengers with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs and even lots of luggage have struggled to use some stations on the rail network because of the large gap between the platform and the train.
“The solution is simple, and cost effective. Rather than an expensive platform rebuild, sections of platforms are raised to the same height as the train door. Importantly, the structure is also ramped making it ideal for anyone to use.”
Funding was provided by the Department for Transport’s Access For All programme, the design was drawn up in partnership with Northern Rail and the scheme is supported by Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line and will be delivered by Network Rail.
Rail minister Norman Baker said: “Improvements like these make a real difference to those using the railways. Opening up access at stations and providing easier access gives all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities”.
“And everyone feels the benefit of taking a train from stations with improved facilities and layout.”
Drew Haley, client and stakeholder manager for Northern Rail, comments: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Network Rail and other industry partners to make improvements allowing passengers, who have previously been unable to travel by train, to use the rail network.”
Richard Morris, Chairman, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line added: "The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line are delighted to see this improvement in access between platform and train at Horton station. It's something that our members and rail passengers have long wished to see at a station that is widely regarded as the gateway to the Yorkshire Three Peaks."
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International Railway Journal
EUROPEAN Union (EU) Marco Polo programmes designed to encourage the transfer of road freight to rail are "ineffective" and should be discontinued in their current form, according to a critical report by the European Court...
HEATHROW Express has celebrated the completion of a £16m programme to refurbish its 14 CAF/Siemens class 332 emus, which coincides with the 15th anniversary of the launch of the service between London Paddington and Heathrow..
THE government of Argentina has announced electrification and re-signalling work will begin next year on the 60km 1676mm-gauge commuter line from Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución to La Plata, the state capital of Buenos Aires province..
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
www.railway-technology.com Updates..
New South Wales to improve access to Southern Highlands and Western Sydney stations
Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government has revealed a plan to improve access to Southern Highlands and Western Sydney stations.
Nomad Digital to deploy wi-fi on ScotRail's new train fleet
UK-based wireless technology provider Nomad Digital has secured a contract from ScotRail to install wi-fi on its train fleet.
MARTA seeks partner for King Memorial Station area development
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Georgia, US has released a request for qualifications (RFQ) to select a partner for developing a new transit-oriented development (TOD) at the King Memorial railway station in downtown Atlanta.
Network Rail debts to increase to £50bn by 2020, says ORR
The UK's Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said the country's railways are on the brink of a funding crisis, with Network Rail's debt expected to reach £50bn by 2020.
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Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group acquires Universale - Railway Gazette
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