§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many requests he has received from the British Railways Board for open, locally monitored level crossings in 1979, 1980 and 1981; how many have been approved; how many requests are currently being considered; and whether he will list the sites under current consideration.
§ Mr. EyreI received the following requests for automatic open crossings—locally monitored—in the years stated and approved them as follows:
Requests Approvals 1979 12 12 1980 6 4 1981 5 3 By the end of 1981 there were a total of 115 such crossings in use.
Automatic open crossings are currently under consideration at the following four locations:
- Cookham near Maidenhead
- Llanbadarn near Aberystwyth
- Corpach near Fort William
- Pasture Road near Barton-on-Humber
A further 59 crossings have been identified as possible locations for automatic open crossings when investment capital becomes available.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, before he approves any further open, locally monitored level crossings, he will ensure that the British Railways Board improves its advance publicity and education programme for local communities to the satisfaction of his Department's railway inspectorate.
§ Mr. EyreUnder section 66 of the British Transport Commission Act 1957, the only bodies required to be given notice of proposals to vary the method of protection at a level crossing are the highway and local authorities concerned. However, arrangements are being made to ensure that in future copies of the board's proposals are also sent direct to parish or community councils as appropriate. I am satisfied that the board's arrangements for visiting schools in the neighbourhood of new crossings are already effective.