Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and long-time campaigner for improved level crossings, marked the opening of the barriered crossing which has been installed on the Mallaig line at Corpach on the 12th February. Network Rail was represented by Zoe Hands, Route Safety Improvement Manager.

The new crossing is the first of the “Stubby” safety barriers to be installed following the successful trial at Ardrossan between the 29th April and the 31st July 2012.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I am delighted to mark the opening of the improved level crossing at Caol, the first to be completed since Network Rail pledged to install safety barriers at all open level crossing’s throughout the Highlands.

Besides Caol, there will be safety barriers installed at three locations on the Far North Line around Golspie and Brora, while the programme to install safety barriers at all open level crossing’s in the UK will be completed by 2014.

Adding to this, Dave said: “I am impressed that the first installation has been completed on schedule, and I look forward to welcoming safety barriers at all open level crossings throughout the Highlands.

“The new safety barriers will ensure that the likelihood of accidents at our level crossings is significantly reduced.

“I congratulate Network rail on the first installation, and look forward to seeing the barriers in operation soon.

Notes:

Dave has been campaigning for 5 years to ensure that all open level crossings have barriers installed in the Highlands.

Below is a copy of Dave’s press release when it was announced that the level crossings were to be upgraded:

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye Lochaber and Badenoch attended the successful demonstration of the new low cost level crossing barrier pilot in Ardrossan on Wednesday 1st August, and has welcomed the news that four Highland crossing will now be upgraded forthwith including Caol, in Lochaber.

These four barrier implementations on open highland crossing are a welcome first step, and are the initial tranche of a roll-out to all the open crossings that remain in the Highlands. The four, chosen on technical and operational grounds, will be three on the Far North Line around Golspie and Brora, and one on the Mallaig line at Caol.

PR From Network Rail: NEW LEVEL CROSSING SYSTEM TRIAL A SUCCESS

Network Rail's trial of a new level crossing system has been successfully completed at Ardrossan Harbour in the west of Scotland. The end of the trial, which employs short barriers at previously open crossings, was marked by a visit from Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil.

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, a key supporter of the progression of the new system, also attended to hear how the new system will be used to upgrade and improve safety at existing open level crossings (AOCL) on Scotland’s railway network at over 20 locations, including Corpach, Brora, Kirkton and Dalchalm. The improvement programme for AOCLS is due for completion by 2014. Also Included in the programme is Halkirk which will have a conventional barrier system installed.

David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said, "The trial of this new system on single line railway at Ardrossan has been a fantastic success. We have developed and successfully tested an affordable, innovative system that will improve the safety of open level crossings. I welcome the support of the Scottish Government and Mr Thompson in the development and rollout of this new safer system.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil said: "Our level crossings are among the safest in Europe and 10 times safer than the European average, but every accident on a level crossing is one too many.

"Tragic incidents like the ones at Delny and Halkirk further confirm the need for all partners, including road users and pedestrians, to work together to do everything we can to reduce the risks.

"I have been encouraged by Network Rail's determination to find an innovative way forward to improve the safety of open level crossings and I have taken a great interest in this trial at Ardrossan.

"Railway safety, including at level crossings, remains reserved to Westminster. However, to demonstrate our commitment, the Scottish Government earlier this year announced an additional £10million fund to help facilitate the closure of level crossings and I will continue to liaise with Network Rail on these issues."

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said, ‘’ I was delighted to see the successful completion of the new AOCL+B level crossing system at Ardrossan.

I welcome the announcement that four Highland crossing will now be upgraded forthwith. These four barrier implementations on open highland crossing are the initial first tranche of a roll-out to all the open crossings that remain in the Highlands. This is a major step forward in road/rail safety. I am pleased that the industry and its partners have found an innovative system that will bring significant safety improvements and that is affordable.

Notes:

·         There are over 570 level crossings in Scotland.

·         89 are on the public road network. 23 of these are open level crossing, mostly in the Highlands New Level Crossing system trial commenced 29 April and finished 31 July

·         This innovative new mini-barrier system for open crossings will improve safety significantly and provides an affordable solution.

·         Those open crossing not suitable for this system will have conventional barrier system installed.

·         Our level crossings are among the safest in Europe - 10 times safer than the European average