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20th March 2007

Rail Crossing Confusion

Mearns Council Conservative candidate George Carr has been approached by residents of Gardenston Street, Laurencekirk about the safety of the rail crossing.

The main concerns being expressed relate to the type of gates which are situated at either side of the railway crossing. One resident said that she had seen very young children gain access to the tracks because the gates themselves have a spring closure system, but no catch to prevent toddlers pulling the gates open.

George commented that “obviously parents of small children have  a prime responsibility to keep their offspring out of danger, but children can wander off when you think they are safe. I think the best solution would be a swing bar clamp fixed to the top of the  gate which would ensure that only adults can access the crossing.”

Also raised at the meeting of residents was the signage on the crossing which baffled those present and was deemed confusing. Two round signs, one with a  horse and one with a bicycle on a white background within a red circle, are situated at each side of the crossing. “I realise that this is a bridleway crossing suitable for horses and cycles to cross with care, but some wording to clarify the signage would be welcome. I will write to Network Rail and ask that they consider improvements to this crossing considering that lives have been lost here including a horse several years ago.”