Railway Safety Success

Allen's West Level Crossing Safety to be improved.

Eaglescliffe Liberal Democrat councillors Alan Lewis and Maureen Rigg have campaigned with local residents to get safety measures for children on Allen's West rail crossing after a child almost ran into the path of a train. Last night it was announced that:
Network Rail has agreed that within the next few months they will install a Red Man crossing signal on each side of the track so that people on the pavement where there is no barrier will see a Red Man if the barrier is down.
The Western Area Transport Strategy Group of Stockton Council agreed with Maureen and Alan's suggestion that a split barrier be installed on the footpath leading towards the crossing from Greenfield Drive. The gap will be wide enough to get through with a push chair or wheelchair but will stop children running straight up the path and onto either the road or the rail tracks. This will be done as soon as it can be programmed into the work schedule for the staff concerned.
Network Rail is applying for permission to invest in a full barrier to replace the half barriers currently there. If successful the work on this will be done in 2013.
Cllr Alan Lewis said when told that the present barrier complies with national safety regulations "If that's the case then the regulations need looking at because this isn't safe". Last night he commented "This is a victory for local people and common sense. We'll continue to pester until the full barriers are erected and our children can walk to school safely."