Media centre

Wednesday 1 Jul 2015

Wem residents invited to discuss level crossing

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is inviting members of the public to a safety event to discuss the level crossing in Wem town centre.

Following concerns raised by the local community about the crossing, Network Rail wants to reassure people that it is safe to use and give advice on how to use the crossing safely, whilst also giving the public the opportunity to discuss any concerns.

The event will take place in Wem Town Hall on Friday 10 July between 1pm and 5.30pm.

Christine Booth, operations risk advisor for Network Rail, said: “Wem level crossing uses the most modern level crossing technology in the UK and we want to reassure the public that it is safe to use.

“We recognise there are local concerns about the crossing and we want to listen to what people have to say and give them the chance to ask us any questions they have. 

“Level crossings can be dangerous places and we also want to take this opportunity to make sure everyone is aware of how to use them safely.”

Staff from Network Rail, British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales will be available on the day to answer questions and provide information about level crossings and safety films will be shown throughout the afternoon.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to watch a performance of ‘Off the Level’, a 30 minute play about level crossing safety performed by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre group.

They can also take a look at the technology used inside a mobile level crossing safety vehicle. The vans are used to observe, record and prosecute motorists who do not obey road signs and place themselves, other road users and railway users in danger.

In March 2015, local people raised concerns after a train passed through Wem level crossing when the barriers were in the up position. Network Rail wants to make people aware that the crossing was being used safely.

The barriers are designed to remain raised if something is detected beneath them, and the equipment is designed to stop the normal movement of trains if any object is detected on the crossing. In this situation, the driver of each train is automatically stopped before getting to the crossing.

Train drivers are then allowed to continue very slowly at caution with the specific instruction to only proceed over the crossing if it is clear to do so, the red flashing lights are operating and road traffic is not moving. This is in line with standard industry processes for safe operation.

Members of the public with any queries should call the Network Rail 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.