06.07.12
Level crossing vocal warnings installed at York
Spoken warning alarms are being installed at seven level crossings in Selby and York to improve safety and compliance by users.
Network Rail is installing the new warning systems nearYorkat Hunmanby station, Nether Lane, Nafferton, Cranswick and Arram level crossings and near Leed sat Wressle and Eastrington.
A vocal alert will replace the two-tone yodel currently in place, which becomes more frequent and high pitched after the passage of the first train to warn that a second is coming. RSSB research suggests that voice messages are more likely to be understood and obeyed. The message will play: “Warning, another train is approaching”.
Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “Sad experience has taught us that once a train has gone through a crossing, some people think they are safe to cross even if the usual warnings of lights and barriers remain active. We hope the spoken alarm warning that another train is coming through will make it clearer to people that it is still unsafe to cross.
“Level crossings are a vital part of our safety system on the railway. The London North Eastern route has almost 2,000 crossings betweenLondonandScotland. Where we can we are looking to replace them with alternative means of crossing the railway. However that is not possible in all cases, so devices such as spoken alarms help make crossings easier to use and improve safety.”
The vocal alarm was trialled at Scarrington level crossing in theEast Midlands.
To view the research, visit: www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/reports/research/T652_rpt_final.pdf
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