Campaign Update

GS meets Rail Regulator on level crossing policy

On 28 July Keith Norman met representatives of the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to discuss ASLEF's views on level crossings.

The union understands that the cost of removing all crossing may be prohibitively expensive and may not be technically possible - but it is convinced that new technology, such as obstacle detectors, is both desirable and feasible. The union argued for the provision of track-to-train surveillance involving cameras being fitted in driver's cabs.

The GS insisted that contemporary cabs are 'technological deserts' and pointed to the lack of air conditioning, ERTMS or GSM-R. He said the technology is available and the UK is years behind other European and other countries, where such facilities are standard.

The ORR said it is consulting on changes to the principles and guidance on level crossings, and guaranteed that ASLEF would be included in this process. It intends to review the principles, reach conclusions on issues such as new technology, and explain how they will try to influence decision makers including the Department for Transport.

GS article in ASLEF Journal (June)

In the June 2006 ALSEF Journal, Keith Norman complained about a lack of union involvement in level crossing safety being organised by Network Rail. His main point was that instead of blaming the public for accidents, the campaign thrust should have been to involve them by adopting a 'partnership' approach. The company could have said, 'We will install rail to cab video systems and improve barriers, visibility and danger warnings. For your part, we'd ask you to take more care when you approach a level crossing and educate your children to keep away from dangerous train lines.'

Trial on Brecon Mountain Railway

There is currently a trial of the equipment provided by Global Laser Technology Solutions (the Trackmaster) taking place on the Brecon Mountain Railway.

Network Rail

NR is considering our proposal on track to train surveillance, but says it is engaged in discussions and research to decide its preferred solutions.

GS leader in ASLEF Journal (April)

In his lead article in the April ASLEF Journal, the GS pointed out that people die on level crossings on a regular basis, but because they are 'isolated incidents', no one seems to recognise the scale of the problem nationally. He said this was an issue the union would continue to monitor and argue for whenever we have the opportunity.

Union reacts to Cornwall crash

On 17 January 2006 Keith Norman warned that delay in implementing the union's proposals on level crossings was putting the public in 'severe danger'.
Keith was speaking as news came in of the eighth crash on an unmanned level crossing in Cornwall in the past five years. Keith said, 'It would be massive irresponsibility to wait for more fatalities before there is any movement."