Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates expresses deep concern over the current rail crossings over the Cambrian Line in Montgomeryshire, following news that the improvement of crossings has been scrapped by Network Rail despite warnings that the number of near misses at level crossings has risen by 15% in the last year.
Network Rail has warned recently that the number of motorists taking illegal and dangerous risks at level crossings is rising. The rail operator said near-misses with trains increased from 140 in 2009 to 161 last year – a jump of 15%. The number of near-misses involving pedestrians and trains rose from 270 in 2009 to 297 last year, but there were fewer vehicle collisions and deaths.
Commenting, Assembly Member Mick Bates said:
“Only last year the Law Commission said that level crossings represent the largest single risk of catastrophic train accident on Britain’s railways. This is the case now and when we have an hourly service on the Cambrian Line the risk at rail crossings will increase.
“The current crossings on the Cambrian Line are not fit for purpose in the twenty-first century. Road traffic and rail must be separated.
“Moat Lane is a critical case, where poor consultation led to an increased risk for road users. I hope that the level crossing at Moat Lane can be closed and a new junction opened to reduce the current high risk.
“Not enough is being done to close level crossings and invest in more suitable infrastructure that would split road and rail and ensure greater safety for travellers. I hope that Network Rail will look again at the need for improvements on the Cambrian Line.”
