Media centre

Friday 11 Oct 2013

Level crossing improvements at stations on the Harrogate line

Region & Route:

Work to reduce the risk of level crossing incidents is beingcompleted at three stations on the Harrogate line. Network Rail is making changes at Poppleton, Cattal and Hammerton stations.

The biggest changes are at Poppleton where a new entrance to one of the platforms is being created, the pedestrian gates are being removed with pedestrians being directed to use the footpaths on the highway crossing. This is because the pedestrian gates do not lock when trains are passing and there have been reports of near misses with people who have come through the gates when trains are approaching.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director of Network Rail, explained: “Our dedicated team is constantly looking for ways to reduce risks at level crossings. Just this week a train driver reported a near miss with a cyclist using Poppleton pedestrian crossing. By directing all users to the main gates at the adjoining road crossing there is no risk of anyone accidentally straying onto the railway.

“At the same time a new gate and fence will be installed at Cattal station to prevent passengers crossing the line until the train has left the station. At the moment there is no physical barrier preventing them from walking out in front of a train. At Hammerton we are putting up additional signage to remind people not to use the pedestrian crossing when the gates are closed.”

Rail teams have been out at Poppleton advising passengers of the new arrangements and to make sure they leave enough time to cross when coming to the station to catch their train.

Richard Allan, Area Director for Northern Rail, added: “Customer safety is a priority for us and that is why we are supporting the changes Network Rail is making.

“We hope that removing the pedestrian crossing at Poppleton, increasing signage at Hammerton and installing a new gate and fence at Cattal will make customers more aware of their own safety. One near miss is one too many.”

The changes will be implemented by Monday 21 October.