§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to approve any new automatic half-barrier rail crossings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe British Railways Board has circulated to the appropriate highway and local authorities draft orders for the conversion of 22 level crossings to automatic half-barriers. Providing the proposals conform to the Department's published requirements for such crossings, and subject to consideration of any representations made by the authorities, the orders will be made. Automatic half-barriers have had a good safety record extending over a period of more than 25 years. Automatic half-barrier level-crossings should not be confused with the open level crossings without barriers, which are the subject of the Stott inquiry following the accident at Lockington.