ORR revises level crossing order guidance

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has launched a consultation on draft revisions to its guidance on level crossing orders and templates.

A level crossing order sets out what the crossing operator and local traffic authority need to provide at the crossing to ensure safe operation, including protective equipment and traffic signs.

It is a legal requirement to comply with level crossing orders, which are made for public vehicular road crossings. 

ORR also provide level crossing order templates, which level crossing operators can use to help with drafting a level crossing order; these are available at the level crossing pages at https://www.orr.gov.uk/guidance-compliance/rail/health-safety/level-crossings

It has started revising the templates for the types of crossing most often used - 'these types are a manually controlled barrier, with CCTV or obstacle detection'.

A stakeholder steering group has been formed and the draft guidance sent to stakeholders. In particularly, ORR wants to hear from those who manage the approach roads, those that identify/provide/manage the traffic signage at the crossing and ensure that it is maintained.

ORR is looking for feedback on:

• 1. Is it easy to understand and follow (clear language, well set out, avoidance of railway specific terms)?
• 2. Are there any gaps in the information provided or process given for making level crossing orders?
• 3. Is this draft:
• a. simpler than the current template
• b. more flexible in terms of changes to the level crossing equipment
• c. more accommodating of innovation?
• 4. Can you identify any potential improvements/ changes needed?

The consultation ends on 18 January 2022.