The report on the chaotic Roundstone Level Crossing seems to miss the main point that the mismanagement of the crossing is the major issue. It can be done properly as after a public meeting with Network Rail a few years back the representatives were given an extremely hard time by frustrated locals. For a couple of weeks after that the barriers went down a minute or two before the train came and went up straight after...even if there was another train 5 minutes away. After that it drifted back to the nonsence we have now. The one way section of Roundstone Lane will force drivers down Downsway which is already a notorious rat run. If the drivers ignoring the give way signs and markings ran any risk of getting a ticket for the offense they would think twice about doing it a second time.
Police were there today (6th Feb) with a camera van and motorbikes at the ready either side of the level crossing, looks like they were looking to catch people jumping the flashing red lights.
Unfortunately that is their thing at the moment. If Network Rail concentrated on managing the crossing properly people wouldn't be so desperate to jump the lights (not saying its ok to do)
If the police showed up occasionally to ticket the motorists ignoring the Give Way signs the problem would be solved pretty soon.
Level Crossing & Downsway
Posted - 04 Feb 2015 : 16:04:12
