HC Deb 27 February 1899 vol 67 cc595-6
MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the Secretary for Scotland is aware that the railway level crossing in High Street, Cowdenbeath, Fifeshire, is absolutely un- protected by gates for shutting public traffic off the railway during the passing of trains; and will he take such steps as may be necessary for the public safety?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. A. G. MURRAY,) Buteshire

The crossing in question is over a private, not a public railway. There are single, but not double gates, and special precautions by means of a watchman are taken for the safety of the public, with the result that only one accident has occurred since 1855, and no person was injured in it. The arrangements of the road are in the hands of the road authority, and the Secretary for Scotland has no jurisdiction in the matter.

In reply to a further Question by Mr. WEIR,

MR. GRAHAM MURRAY said

I am personally well acquainted with the crossing. The railway is blocked by the gates, but the road was not. When a train passes, then the watchman stops the people.