HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 cc8-9W
45. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the fourth accident and the deaths of a total of 19 people on continental-type crossings, if he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to alter immediately the warning time and the closing time of barriers to a longer period until other safety devices can be installed.

Mr. Marsh

The operating time cycle of automatic half-barriers is one of the matters now being urgently considered in the Ministry's survey of level crossing policy. A comprehensive paper will be available to the Hixon Inquiry when it resumes on 29th April.

There are dangers as well as advantages in an extended time cycle and all the factors including Continental experience must be carefully weighed.

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