Network Rail: it’s safe until we check it
Not directly Nairn, but pretty scary considering the number of un-manned train crossings in the Highlands:
Rail crossing probe finds problem
An investigation has pinpointed a problem with a railway crossing that has been at the centre of a safety row.
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said Network Rail found a battery for train detection gear at Bunchrew, near Inverness, was losing power.
The gist:
Network Rail maintained repeatedly that the crossing was safe, despite that residents around Bunchrew complained the signals were not working properly.
Nationalist MSP for the Highlands, Dave Thompson, had to raise the issue in the Scottish Parliament.
The ORR finally got Network Rail to take a look – and, sure enough, the batteries weren’t running properly.
Summary: the crossing was not safe, but Network Rail wouldn’t check until forced.
How ridiculous is it that when we’ve already had a string of accidents involving unmanned crossings across the UK, Scotland, and Highlands, that Network Rail won’t even properly investigate when safety concerns are raised?
I’ve driven around with my family with a sense of feeling relatively safe around crossing – I always presumed they’d be working fine. I’ll be more cautious now – after all, if any crossing is not working properly, Network Rail certainly can’t be relied upon to have listened, acted, and corrected it.
Take care.
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http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/8418/Call_for_apology_from__below_contempt__rail_firm.html