RAIB investigates ‘near miss’ at Bagillt level crossing

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating a ‘near miss’ on a user-worked level crossing near Bagillt (near Holywell in Flintshire, north Wales) on August 17.

At around 1156, the 0953 Manchester Piccadilly-Holyhead, travelling at a speed of about 75mph, passed the crossing very shortly after a heavy goods vehicle had completed using it.

The crossing provides access to industrial premises, but is only used by vehicles too tall to pass under a nearby bridge. The gates are kept locked, and after receiving permission from the signaller to cross the user must unlock and open both gates on foot, drive their vehicle over, and reclose and lock both gates.

The user requested permission to cross the railway with a wagon, and the signaller based at the Wales Railway Operations Centre in Cardiff granted it.

Two other similar incidents happened at the crossing on December 10 2014 and October 31 2017. The investigation will examine the actions of those involved, the rules and guidance for signallers relating to factors which need to be considered when giving permission for the crossing to be used, the information and guidance provided to users of private level crossings, the management of safety risk at this crossing, and any relevant underlying management factors.