North rail barriers pledge hailed as great news
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CAITHNESS is on the "right track" to rail safety, according to a local councillor.
Landward member Willie Mackay spoke out after Network Rail announced open level crossings in the county are to be upgraded with a new style of safety barrier.
The new mini barriers will be installed at all 23 open level crossings in Scotland, including those at Halkirk and Watten.
Confirmation came during a meeting on Thursday at Holyrood between Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson and Network Rail’s route managing director for Scotland, David Simpson.
Mr Mackay has campaigned locally for safety improvements to be made following a number of incidents, including the deaths of three pensioners at Bridge Street, Halkirk, in 2009.
"At least we are on the right track now into improvements in safety at level crossings," he told the Caithness Courier.
"Caithness has had fatal crashes and a number of dangerous near misses recently, involving the three crossings at Halkirk, Hoy and Watten. Safety campaigners have continually put pressure on Network Rail for improvements across the whole country and this is great news that at last something is going to be done."
A trial of the new mini barrier is due to start at Ardrossan within weeks and will be followed soon after by a second trial site in the Ayrshire town.
Once any technical issues have been resolved, and subject to Office of Rail Regulation approval and the co-operation of local roads authorities, the new system will be rolled out to the remaining 21 Highland crossings.Mr Thompson has been battling for improvements to open level crossings since his election in 2007. He said the planned addition of barriers to the 23 open crossings in Scotland was a welcome development.
"David Simpson and I had a very positive meeting at which he was able to give very welcome news of trials of a new type of barrier system and the intention to roll-out this new style of gate across the country’s currently open level crossings over the next two years," said the MSP. "I am relieved that we will soon see public safety at Scotland’s level crossings improved dramatically through this measure.
"I believe that through this step the current personnel at Network Rail are doing all they can to bring to an end the regular toll of accidents at level crossings, and I commend them for that."
Mr Simpson said Network Rail was committed to further enhancing safety and was working hard to progress the new mini-barrier system, as well as other safety initiatives. "We are also seeking to close crossings where possible and invest in additional safety measures such as police CCTV-monitoring vans and additional fixed cameras for level crossings to deter driver misuse," he said.
The new type of barrier system can be installed for around £100,000 a crossing, compared to an average of more than £500,000 under the old system. It is anticipated the roll-out will begin this autumn and be completed within two years.
