Published on:
17
March 2008
As the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link progresses a number of level crossings along the route of the track will shortly be coming into operation. From Tuesday 25 March all level crossings should be regarded as operational and any stop signals displayed must be obeyed by vehicles and pedestrians. There are three public vehicular level crossings situated at Cambus, Blackgrange and Ladysneuk Road, Waterside, Stirling. Kincardine is a public level crossing for pedestrians only.
The level crossings at Cambus, Blackgrange and Waterside are manually controlled barrier crossings which have full barriers on both sides of the road to prevent pedestrian and vehicular access when trains are passing. These level crossings are operated remotely using a CCTV system at the signal box at Stirling Station. When a train is coming, there is a warning amber light followed by alternately flashing red lights. There is also a warning tone for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Members of the public should not enter the crossing when the amber or red lights are flashing, the barriers are lowered or the warning tones sounds. It is only safe to cross when no lights are showing, the warning tone has stopped and the barriers are fully raised. Motorists are advised not to overtake on or near a level crossing nor to stop on the crossing or block the exit. Pedestrians should ensure that dogs are kept on a short lead and that children are kept with them at all times.
The level crossing at Kincardine will change status to a user worked crossing with miniature warning lights. Residents should be aware that as of Monday 31 March vehicular access will no longer be permitted at this crossing and the gates will be locked; pedestrian and cyclist access will continue using the footpath crossing facility.
Miniature warning lights are in place to signal when it is safe to cross the track. If the green light is showing pedestrians may open the gate before checking the light once more and crossing quickly; cyclists must dismount. The railway should never be crossed if a red light is showing. As with all level crossings dogs and children should be closely supervised.
Scott Prentice, Senior Project Manager, Transport Scotland, comments:"Level crossings are safe if used correctly. We will be delivering detailed safety information to those residents who live in the areas surrounding the level crossings which explains the simple steps they need to follow to ensure they and their families are aware of how to use the crossings safely. We would urge residents to take some time to read this information. Copies are also available from our website or by calling our community enquiry line."
For more information on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link and to download copies of the level crossing safety information please visit www.sakrailway.co.uk Alternatively, call the community hotline on 0141 229 7648 or email info@s-a-k.co.uk
95% of risk on level crossings is from misuse, a 35% increase since 2004 - the majority of harm is caused by user error, not violation.
Since 2000 there have been 128 collisions with vehicles and 80 fatalities on level crossings.
The Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine route reopening is one of the most important railway infrastructure projects Scotland has seen in decades. The project will reopen approximately 21km of existing, disused and abandoned railway line between Stirling Station and Longannet Power Station in Kincardine. The new railway station in Alloa town centre will allow direct hourly passenger services between Alloa, Stirling and Glasgow Queen Street stations. Passengers can change at Stirling for further services to Edinburgh. The line will also carry coal from the West of Scotland to Longannet Power Station in Fife and potentially provide freight services to other customers along the line.
For further information, please contact:
Fergus Reid/Katrine Pearson/Suzanne Clark
SAK Press Office
T: 0141 229 7647
M: 07971 583 535
E: info@s-a-k.co.uk