HC Deb 06 March 1967 vol 742 c228W
Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Transport if she will state the number of new type Continental-styled railway level-crossing barrier gates and the total number of accidents to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles which have been recorded to date.

Mr. Swingler

124 automatic half-barriers are in operation. There have been no accidents to pedestrians or cyclists at them. There has, however, been one accident involving a vehicle and a train; this was in no way the fault of the automatic equipment.

Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Transport what is her policy in providing warning road signs to the approaches of railway level-crossings where the new type Continental-styled barrier gates have been erected.

Mr. John Morris

Special symbolic "Automatic half barrier ahead" warning signs are erected. These are supplemented by count-down markers at places where drivers might not easily see the crossing. Where the road is wide enough road markings, frequently double white lines, are laid on the approaches and over the crossing.

Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways, to institute an inquiry into the existing stop signal, twin red flashing lights, used on the new type Continental-styled railway level-crossing barriers; and whether these should be replaced and brought into line with existing road traffic signals.

Mr. Swingier

No. The design of twin red flashing lights is as required by the Ministry. Stop signs for level crossings should be different from those at road intersections, as traffic problems at the two are different. In this we are in accord with Continental practice.

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