§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the accident between a minibus and a train on the East Suffolk line at the Brampton level crossing on 21 December 1994; and what changes he is proposing to order for unmanned crossings as a consequence.
§ Mr. WattsThe collision between the 09.05 Ipswich to Lowestoft Sprinter train and a camper van occurred at about 10.15 am on 21 December on the automatic, open-level crossing at Brampton station, Suffolk. There was no derailment nor any injury to those on board the train. The driver of the van was seriously injured and was taken to hospital; the passengers, six children, were shaken but uninjured.
The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate and Railtrack are investigating the circumstances of this collision. There are no plans to alter the protection at this crossing at present. Railtrack and the Health and Safety Executive will continue to conduct publicity campaigns and research on level crossing safety.