Russell George, the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, attended the event and signed a pledge board in support of the Network Rail level crossing safety campaign.
Network Rail hosted the event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay with members invited to meet the safety team and sign up to a formal ‘Statement of Opinion’ highlighting level crossing safety and Network Rail’s ongoing campaign.
The safety campaign targets those who use level crossings most often, including young people, commuters, cyclists and pedestrians, dog walkers, tourists and commercial drivers and provides them with specific information to stay safe when crossing the railway.
There are approximately 6,500 level crossings in Great Britain including 1,100 across Wales and the borders. While the majority of people cross the railway safely, there were 275 incidents at level crossings in the past year in Wales, including five collisions and 27 near-misses. Between 2009 and 2014 there were 28 deaths at level crossings across Great Britain, including many that could have been prevented.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire said:
“The safety of all who use level crossings is essential and I welcome any decision to bring more awareness to this issue and reduce the likelihood of accidents at level crossings in the future.
“There have been three near misses at level crossings in the past 12 months, and Caersws level crossing is amongst the top 10 repeat level crossing misuse locations in Wales and the borders.
“I therefore welcome this campaign and will commit to working closely with Network Rail and liaise with Powys County Council to improve safety procedures and continue to highlight the importance of care around level crossings.”
Tracey Young, Wales community safety manager for Network Rail added:
“The railway continues to get busier so it’s more important than ever for people to use level crossings safely. We’re delighted that so many Assembly Members took the time to learn more about our campaign – their support will be really important in promoting the safe use of crossings across Wales.”
Christine Booth, Wales operations risk advisor for Network Rail also said:
“As part of our railway upgrade plan, Network Rail is investing more than £100 million in improving level crossing safety across Britain. We need motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to do their bit too by paying attention to the warnings at level crossings, avoiding distractions, and staying safe when crossing the railway.”