HC Deb 24 November 1965 vol 721 cc66-7W
69. Sir Gerald Wills

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that existing conditions and the precautions taken at accommodation crossings on railway lines carrying fast main-line traffic are adequate to prevent the possibility of accident and to provide for the safety of railway passengers and traffic using such crossings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom Fraser

There has been no recent deterioration in the safety record at such crossings but modern conditions require greater vigilance on the part of users. There are some 16,000 of these crossings and the only means of completely eliminating all risk of accidents would be to abolish them. My Department is, however, examining with the Railways Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the National Farmers' Union all practicable measures of improvement, including the provision of additional safeguards.