HC Deb 14 June 1989 vol 154 cc412-3W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many deaths and injuries there have been at level crossings, by type of crossing in Great Britain in each of the last five years; whether there are any limits on the speed of trains at each such type of level crossing; and how many of the incidents in each year resulting in death and injury involved collision with road vehicles.

Mr. Portillo

Table A shows the number of deaths and injuries from accidents at level crossings, by type of crossing, in Great Britain during the period 1984–88. Table B shows the number of incidents involving death and/or injury during those years which resulted from collision between rail and road vehicles. The Department's published requirements for level crossings prescribe limits for train speeds at open, automatic open and automatic half-barrier crossings. The criteria for automatic open crossings have been revised following a review of safety at these crossings by Professor P. F. Stott after the accident at Lockington level crossing on 26 July 1986.

Table A: Deaths and injuries in level cossing accidents
Crossing type 1984 1985 1986 1987 11988
Deaths Injuries Deaths Injuries Deaths Injuries Deaths Injuries Deaths Injuries
Manned Gates 3 3 3 4 1 5
Manned Barriers 7 2 1 6
Manned Barriers with CCTV 12
Automatic Half-barriers 3 4 3 11 5 4 2 1 5 4
Automatic Open (locally monitored) 1 8 2 12 9 5 9 1 9
Automatic Open (remotely controlled) 1 3 11 38 1 1 1
Open Crossing 4 1 10 6
User-Worked Crossing 4 9 3 9 9 6 6 3 8
User-Worked Crossing with miniature warning lights 1 1 2 1 1 1
Footpath 3 2 2 1 2 5 5 5 3
Total 11 39 14 40 27 78 14 24 18 49

Table B: Incidents involving deaths and injuries resulting from collisions at level crossings
Year Number
1984 18
1985 24
1986 24
1987 26
19881 25
1 Provision