Level crossing safety under the spotlight

An inquiry into the safety of the UK’s 8,000 level crossings is set to take place.

The Transport Select Committee has agreed to hold the inquiry after listening to an appeal from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS).

PACTS’ call for the review was one of just seven recommendations among 113 put to the Transport Select Committee to be taken forward for its programme of activity into 2014.

David Davies, executive director of PACTS, said: “PACTS is very pleased that the Transport Select Committee has taken up our suggestion to hold an inquiry to safety at level crossings. This will put the parliamentary spotlight on one of most critical areas of rail safety. PACTS will do all it can to support the Committee in this important inquiry.”

David Morris, former deputy chief inspector of railways and chair of the PACTS rail safety working party, added: “Level crossings represent the largest single risk of catastrophic train accidents on Britain's rail network. In 2012, six people died at level crossing accidents (three in motor vehicles and three pedestrians). This excludes deaths due to trespass or suicide. It is entirely appropriate that the Select Committee should look at this matter.”