Railways’ Policy On Level Crossing Warning Signs

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29270, 30 July 1960, Page 12

Railways’ Policy On Level Crossing Warning Signs

More adequate protection for motorists at level crossings and also a statement on the Railway Department’s up-to-date policy on warning devices was recently requested by the South Island Motor Union, on the motion of the Automobile Association (Canterbury). The General Manager of Railways (Mr A. T. Gandell) ' has now made the following reply:— "Unless there are very special circumstances, half-arm barriers are installed only at crossings where there are two or more line crossings. At such crossings, flashing-light alarms are some times not adequate as there is a possibility of what is known as a ‘two-train’ accident: a motorist may assume that all is clear after a train has passed and proceeed before the alarms have stopped only to be hit by a second train on the other line. At single-track crossings, flashing light alarms provide adequate warning and if ordinary care is exercised by motorists, accidents should not occur.

“There are upwards of 2000 level crossings throughout the Dominion and, as you will appreciate, there is a problem of some magnitude to be dealt with. The department is pressing ahead with the installation of flashinglight alarms at single track crossings and of barriers at multipletrack crossings just as quickly as its resources of technical staff for installation and maintenance allows. All possible attention is being given to this work. “Last year, following an inspection of all crossings, during which

representatives of the Railways Department, the Transport Department, Automobile Associations and local authorities concerned were present, a priority list was prepared after an assessment of all relevant factors, including the views over the four quarters of the crossing, and the road and rail traffic density had been made, installations are being made in accordance with this list. “In the meantime, all crossings where the view is comparatively restricted are’equipped with compulsory stop signs and a start is being made on converting these to the type of stop sign used at road intersections. It is felt that the latter type may be more likely to be obeyed by motorists. “Unfortunately, no technical devices are sufficient in themselves: even with barrier arms there have been instances of people driving through or around the ends of the barriers and colliding with or being hit by trains. “Onus On Motorists”

“While everything practicable is being done to make level crossings as safe as possible, there is an onus on motorists to be careful. There is a statutory speed limit of 15 miles an hour for road vehicles approaching and traversing level crossings, and if motorists obey this and the warning compulsory stop signs, the crossings can be traversed in safety.”

> This circular was referred to Automobile Associations. Southland replied that no extra level crossings there had received warning devices in the last year; Otago said Mr Gandall made much the same statement three years ago but little had been done in its area; North Otago also saw little evidence of action. It was agreed to write again to Mr Gandell asking what had. in fact, been done in the last year.