I was reading the recent RAIU report on a collision between a train and a lorry, caused by the gates to on occupation crossing being left open, encouraging the driver of said lorry to cross railway without stopping, thus bringing the lorry into the path of the train.
The thought occurred to me that there is a heritage railway i know of which has this very problem. An occupation crossing where the users are in the habit of not closing the gates. Obviously those that live at the premises accessed via the crossing are aware the railway is there. One would expect that they at least would be a little cautious at the crossing. However, what about those delivering to the premises? They would be less aware of the crossing, and an open gate would be an inducement to think the way is clear. There is potential for an accident, possibly leading to derailment and/or fatatilies.
The railway seem unable to get the users of this particular crossing to close the gates (it has been flagged up to them that it is happening). So, who do I need to report this to? Let's be clear, I'm not blaming the heritage railway in question, the fault lies entirely with those who live in premises accessed via the crossing.
The thought occurred to me that there is a heritage railway i know of which has this very problem. An occupation crossing where the users are in the habit of not closing the gates. Obviously those that live at the premises accessed via the crossing are aware the railway is there. One would expect that they at least would be a little cautious at the crossing. However, what about those delivering to the premises? They would be less aware of the crossing, and an open gate would be an inducement to think the way is clear. There is potential for an accident, possibly leading to derailment and/or fatatilies.
The railway seem unable to get the users of this particular crossing to close the gates (it has been flagged up to them that it is happening). So, who do I need to report this to? Let's be clear, I'm not blaming the heritage railway in question, the fault lies entirely with those who live in premises accessed via the crossing.