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Lyon steps up safety campaign for level crossings
January 18, 2010 10:35 AM
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has stepped up his efforts to make Scotland's level crossings safer in the wake of several accidents in the past year, including recently near Halkirk.
Investigation by Mr Lyon has revealed there were almost 2000 accidents and 409 fatalities across the European Union at level crossings in 2008 and Mr Lyon believes Europe can play a significant role in preventing further needless deaths.
All but two of Scotland's twenty three open, unmanned level crossings are in the Highlands and Mr Lyon has called for action from the European Commission to address these crossings in particular.
Commenting, Mr Lyon said:
"Only a combination of public information campaigns, physical barriers, and reducing train speed will begin to reduce accidents at level crossings right across Europe.
"Looking at the experience in other European countries can inform the range of solutions we need.
"Without prejudging the ongoing accident investigation, there is already strong evidence that low winter sunlight adds to the hazard at open crossings in the Highlands. That is a particular problem facing the North, and one which can only be adequately addressed by automatic barriers. I hope Europe will play a part in making that possible.
"The European Level Crossing Forum will hold workshops across Europe from spring this year and I want Scotland to be at the heart of those discussions."
Angela MacLean, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dingwall and Seaforth, added:
"The recent winter weather has seen low sunlight, glare from snow and poor road conditions combine to cause extra hazards at open level crossings in the Highlands.
"We need to make progress, but Network Rail has so far been unwilling to consider installing automatic barriers due to the high cost of this work.
"It is welcome that the wider European experience is being looked at, and I hope Europe can help to make an appropriate solution for the Highlands possible.
"I also hope the Scottish Transport Minister will take heed of what is happening, and enable Network Rail to play their part."
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