HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 cc527-8W
Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instruct British Rail to install barriers at automatic open level crossings over classified roads throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. David Mitchell

It would be premature for me to ask British Rail to make any alterations, including the installation of barriers, at automatic open level crossings until I have seen the report of the safety review now being carried out by Professor Stott.

Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many automatic open level crossings have been in operation in each of the past 10 years.

Mr. David Mitchell

The number of automatic open level crossings in operation in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

Number
1977 58
1978 68
1979 84
1980 107
1981 114
1982 122
1983 136
1984 169
1985 227
1986 1251
1 Provisional.

Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when was the last occasion his Department changed the regulations for the installation of automatic open level crossings.

Mr. David Mitchell

The Department's published "Railway Construction and Operations Requirements—Level Crossings" were last changed in 1981 following a working party set up in 1976. An additional section dealing with the protection of pedestrians was added in 1985, as a result of recommendations made in the Oppenheim report.