§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) reported accidents and (b) accidents resulting in fatalities involving vehicles on railway crossings have occurred in Britain in each of the past five years. [135743]
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§ Mr. HillThe information requested is shown in the table, supplied by the Health and Safety Executive's HM Railway Inspectorate.
Year Number of trains running into animals, gates or vehicles at level crossings Number of fatalities involving road vehicles on level crossings 1995–96 37 5 1996–97 33 0 1997–98 34 3 1998–99 37 3 1999–2000 32 2 Total 173 13 Comprehensive data and analysis can be found in HM Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Report's on Railway Safety in Great Britain. Copies are available in both House Libraries.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will initiate a general review of the safety of barrier-less crossings of railway lines following the conclusion of inquiries into the fatal accident on the railway crossing at Porthmadog on 23 October. [135806]
§ Mr. HillThe Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Railway Inspectorate Inspector visited the site after the accident and was satisfied that the crossing is working correctly. I understand that an independent check of the crossing lights controls and the audible warning devices was also conducted, and they were found to be in good condition. HSE's Railway Inspectorate are now assisting the British Transport Police (BTP) with their investigation. Once this investigation has been concluded HSE will consider whether any further action for this type of level crossing is required.