Train drivers union slams level crossing

Train drivers’ union ASLEF has reacted angrily to the report of the Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) into the fatal accident at Hallkirk level crossing in Caithness in September 2009.

The union criticises the finding that Network Rail did not properly understand the risk at the crossing and the recommendation that a risk assessment be carried out.

General secretary Keith Norman said: “It baffles me that anyone associated with the industry can fail to recognise the risks involved at level crossings, where one person a month has died for decades. Level crossings kill. Unmanned ones kill regularly. What is there not to understand?” He added: “This report recommends a risk assessment of the crossing. I can save them a lot of trouble. They are all inherently unsafe.”

The union is calling for funding for well known and available solutions — tunnels, bridges and in-cab technology — to be put into place.