Ufton Nervet level crossing. Options

[Gazzadp]

Interesting piece on Meridian Tonight this evening regarding the level crossing at Ufton Nervet, just a shame that ITV Meridian had to go with the "Countries most dangerous level crossing" line. The level crossing there is no more dangerous than the hundreds of others through the UK.

Thankfully the guy from Network Rail was quick to point out that the crossing there is not inherently dangerous in itself or its design, as all the deaths at the Ufton Nervet crossing have ALL been the result of "crossing misuse"!

Obviously that does not and should not ever detract from the the loss of life caused by the fatal derailing, but people need to bear in mind NO crossing is safe when it comes to a suicidal person, wishing to get a vehicle on the tracks.

[Andy Capp]

I suspect an aspect of this is that there have been more than one incidence of a similar nature. The rail company has a duty of care for its passengers and staff. While it seems a nonsense, I can see why they wish to take this problem away.

[Biker1]

The rail company has a duty of care for its passengers and staff.

UK has the safest railway in Europe Andy.

[Andy Capp]

UK has the safest railway in Europe Andy.

That might be the case, but doesn't change the point. If there have been more sever incidents at one point than another, unless there is a budget to make the same mitigation at all points, it is logical to target the ones with the highest incident rate.

[Biker1]

...then we also have a good few sensible drivers who suggest, even on this forum that a two barrier crossing would be safer. Yet the rail industry simply says no. We may well have the safest railway in Europe but we've had two fatalities on a local level crossing and somewhat too many elsewhere. Rather than simply dismissing other suggestions out of hand, good safety practice would at least investigate and give a considered response. We may well have the safest railway in Europe, but remember, that's just at this moment in time. It's always worth listening to your customers...

That might be the case, but doesn't change the point. If there have been more sever incidents at one point than another, unless there is a budget to make the same mitigation at all points, it is logical to target the ones with the highest incident rate.

I'll accept those arguments on all points bearing in mind that...

Safety is at the forefront of all UK railway operations and companies, hence my safest in Europe point.

I still maintain that if Ufton isn't safe then neither are any other AHBC's.
Ufton has gained a reputation, fed to a large extent by the media, this paper being one of the main culprits.
That is all that differs it from the others.
Sadly, if someone is determined to do it they will find somewhere else.

[blackdog]

I still maintain that if Ufton isn't safe then neither are any other AHBC's.
Ufton has gained a reputation, fed to a large extent by the media, this paper being one of the main culprits.
That is all that differs it from the others.

From what I understand Network Rail are keen to do away with all such crossings - this will take a lot of time and money - but they have to start somewhere and Ufton is both notorious and easy to replace.

[Biker1]

From what I understand Network Rail are keen to do away with all such crossings - this will take a lot of time and money

They are, ever since Hixon. Late 60's!!

.- but they have to start somewhere and Ufton is both notorious and easy to replace.

Easy to replace? I would suggest than many are easier?

[blackdog]

Easy to replace? I would suggest than many are easier?

I'm no expert (not even close) but it's a simple bridge, plenty of space to build it - where do they come easier? Just thinking of the few that I know (any sort of gated road crossing) - Thatcham, cramped, adjacent canal and river, station access; Hamstead Marshall, better but still constrained to the south; Wokingham - in the middle of the town. I'm sure there will be plenty more as easy as Ufton, but there can't be many easier road crossings unless they can simply close the road.