Media centre

Tuesday 1 Mar 2005

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO LITTLEHAVEN LEVEL CROSSING

Region & Route:

| Southern

Increased levels of road traffic and increased levels of motorist complacency have led Network Rail, in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to install extra safety measures to Littlehaven level crossing. Andrew Munden, Network Rail Route Director said: “Safety is our top priority and it has become evident that motorists are not respecting the current level crossing system, so extra safety measures must be installed.  Over a 10-week period from the beginning of February until mid-April we will install four sets of flashing lights and yodel alarms to the crossing, which will give motorists even more warning that the crossing gates are closing.” The level crossing is on Rusper Road and Network Rail has evidence that motorists approach the crossing too fast, leaving little time to safely slow down if the crossing gates are closing. This was highlighted during a road survey in May 2004 when, on average, one vehicle per day approached the crossing at twice the permitted speed limit.  The highest speed recorded was 66mph in a 30mph zone. With 600 vehicles using the crossing every hour and many motorists driving above the speed limit, there is the potential for a serious accident. Fortunately there have been no serious injuries, but on 10 occasions since 1999, motorists have struck the gates, causing damage and delays for both road and rail traffic. Littlehaven crossing gates are operated by a crossing keeper, who manually turns a wheel to open and close the crossing. Mr Munden continued: “Horsham District Council is aware of this project and we will be contacting people who live near to the crossing to explain our plans