§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the unprotected Sandbank road rail crossing at Towyn complies with the minimum safety standards for such crossings.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe railway inspectorate has been consulted about the use of this crossing on a number of occasions. The level crossing was originally provided to connect lands on either side of the railway which were severed when the railway was built. Since the 1930s when the land was developed for holiday caravans and as an amusement park the use of the crossing has expanded and today it has during the holiday season a high pedestrian use. Despite the growth in use the crossing is considered to meet the minimum acceptable safety standard.
The statutory requirement upon British Rail is to maintain gates normally closed across the road. In addition, special pedestrian gates have been provided and there are signs warning pedestrians to beware of trains. The Department has no powers to direct that changes should be made to the crossing, but it is understood that the possibility of providing a footbridge is being reconsidered by British Rail and the local authority.