Remember The Rules At Railway Crossings
4th March 2010:
Translink Urge: Remember the Rules at Railway crossings
As spring approaches and the agricultural community prepare to increase their use of private crossings; Translink are sending out the reminder that railway crossing misuse puts all users and the wider public at risk. Misuse can mean fines of up to £1000 and a prosecution.
Translink continue to use high quality camera equipment at railway crossings to serve as a powerful deterrent to prevent misuse. CCTV is deployed at various locations and when incidents do occur, footage is used to investigate misuse.
Across the network, Translink have approximately 170 private or user worked crossings and Ian Morrow, N I Railways Infrastructure Safety, Quality and Environmental Manager said that those who use crossings regularly should be aware of the rules at such crossings.
Ian added: “It is crucially important that people make themselves and visitors to their farms aware of the rules for using crossings safely. The rules are clear; at crossings which are not supplied with a telephone; people must stop, look and listen. Where a telephone is provided users must check with the operator if it is safe to cross. It is also important that they let the operator know if they are crossing with a vehicle that is large or slow moving and before crossing with animals. Users must also ensure they secure the gates immediately after crossing. “
“We have sent reminders to farmers with railway crossings on their land, and would urge other farmers or contractors who require information to get in touch with us on 028 9035 5444.
Ulster Farmers’ Union President Graham Furey added: “We are pleased Translink continue to highlight these safety issues. Safety on the farm is paramount. The Ulster Farmers’ Union urge all rail crossing users in farming locations to follow crossing rules carefully.”
Ian also reminded the wider public and farming community that they must remain vigilant at all times day or night. In addition it is particularly important to note that recent improvements to the track on the Derry line means that trains are now operating much quieter and faster than previous.
Appealing for people to report any misuse of crossings, Ian concluded: “I would urge people to contact Translink immediately if they witness any misuse and to report any damage or maintenance requirements urgently.”
Ends
Notes to Editor :
- Private Crossings / User Worked Crossings / Accommodation Crossings are those which users operate, opening and shutting gates or barriers themselves.
-It is the responsibility of the person using the crossing to ensure that it is safe to cross before doing so
-The Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 imposes a maximum fine of £1000 on crossing users who fail to comply with safe crossings regulations.
-NI Railways provides information to crossing users on how to use crossings safely and how to make arrangements to have a crossing repaired or even closed. Users who would like copies of this information or advice should call the NI Railways, Level Crossing Risk Co-ordinator Keith Pollock on 028 9035 5444
-Key guidelines to follow when crossing the line in a vehicle or with animals:
- Read the signs and follow the instructions
- If there is a phone, use it to contact the signaller and ask if it is safe to cross
- If a phone is not provided, stop, look both ways and listen
- When the line is clear, open both gates and look in both directions before crossing
- Always close the gates after crossing
- Ring again to confirm you are clear is the signaller asks you to do this.
ENDS
For further information please contact Lisa Hamilton- Sturdy, Media Relations Officer, Translink Press Office on 028 90899455
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Stumbleupon
Follow Us |