§ Mr. Kitsonasked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have occurred on unguarded railway crossings in the last six months; how many crossings of this type there are; and whether she will consider issuing a general direction to British Railways to install a warning system in the form of bells or lights.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe number of accidents at open public level crossings and at unmanned occupation and accommodation level crossings that occurred in the six months ending 31st January and were reported to the Minister were:
These figures are provisional. According to British Railways' statistics, there are 74 public level crossings without gates or barriers and 13,162 occupation and accommodation level crossings.240W
Public Level Crossings 3 Occupation and Accommodation Level Crossings 18 Under existing legislation the Minister has no power to give a general direction to British Railways to install a warning system at level crossings, but Clause 139 of the Transport Bill which is now before the House would enable the Minister to require the Board to do so where he considers it necessary or desirable.