These crossings are a menace
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
As a driver of a 24-ton G.V.W. rigid tanker may I be permitted to air my views on halfbarrier type level crossings?
Having to negotiate a crossing of this type daily, I consider it a menace to heavy commercial vehicles, particularly in wintery conditions—wet, greasy, icy roads, etc.
I find that at whatever speed it is approached there is always a critical point, of only a few feet admittedly, at which I am too near to stop and yet too slow to get properly clear before the arms drop.
The obvious solution to my mind is advance warning of a train's approach.
This could take the form of a yellow light, activated by the train two miles in advance of the present trip mechanism, which would serve a double purpose :— (1) When no light is showing it indicates to slow traffic, low-loaders, farm tractors, etc., that they must have at least 90secs before the red lights start to flash.
(2) When the yellow light is showing it indicates that there is a train in the section and faster traffic would be prepared to stop in a reasonable manner when red lights came on. I might add, however, that despite their shortcomings, in my opinion half-barrier crossings are far superior to the gated variety. ANTHONY GALLIMORE, Birstall, Leicester.