HC Deb 09 March 1979 vol 963 cc825-6W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department lays down any standards on the size of warning lights that are placed at the gates of level crossings which are operated by the public.

Mr. Horam

Yes. They are laid down in the appropriate section of the Department of Transport's railway construction and operation requirements.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents have occurred at level crossings with gates operated by the public.

Mr. Horam

During the period 1974 to 1978, a total of eight accidents causing one fatality and one minor injury were reported as occurring at level crossings protected by warning lights and with gates or barriers operated by the public.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatal accidents there have been on level crossings with gates operated by the public in each of the last five years.

Mr. Horam

Only one. A pedestrian was fatally injured at Mickley, near Prudhoe, in 1975.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many level crossings there are in England and Wales with gates operated by the public.

Mr. Horam

There are altogether 80 level crossings in England and Wales protected by warning lights with gates or barriers operated by the public. Of these, 42 are on public roads.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many level crossings in the South-West region have gates which are operated by members of the public.

Mr. Horam

There are 10 level crossings in the South-West region protected by warning lights at which the gates or barriers are operated by the public. Five of these are on public roads.