Crossing the danger line
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to highlight an incident which occurred at Freshfield railway crossing, Victoria Road, on Monday, October 23, at approximately 11am.
We had stopped at the crossing behind four cars, heading in the direction of the beach.
The lights changed and the barrier rose.
The car in front had reached the other side, and as I moved forward, within seconds, the amber traffic light came back on.
Already committed, I proceeded across the track.
The car in front then stopped, and as I reached the other side, the back of my car was still across the track.
The car two places in front had decided to turn right into Golf Road, however had stopped due to oncoming traffic.
The barriers were now coming down, and stopped half way.
My wife suggested sounding the horn.
At this point three questions occurred to me (four in fact):
First: Should I have waited until the car in front was completely clear? I have never seen anyone do this.
Second: Is it safe for someone to consider stopping to turn right, 10 yards after a railway crossing with a queue of cars waiting behind.
Third: Do traffic planners consider the danger of having a right turn immediately after a railway crossing.
Luckily I did not have to worry about the fourth question, as the car in front then carried on, and I was able to move out of the path of the oncoming train. Peter Broom Lucky Formby resident
CELEBRATE NORMAN
I DON’T know about honouring Jean Alexander in Southport, what about Norman Wallis who has spent his own money and effort to improve the facilities in the town for the visitors we attract?
He should be given some credit for all he has done.
Whereas, apart from giving her name in support of charities, I cannot think of anything else Miss Alexander did, even when relatives put items up for auction which could have been donated to the Atkinson Museum. David Smith Southport
NEW PATH NEEDED
IN RESPONSE to the article by Emilia Bona regarding the rail crossing at Fisherman’s Path, there is a relatively simple solution although it would require overcoming some challenges.
Network Rail will close the crossing, regardless of the inconvenience to cyclists and walkers.
The only option they have put forward is a single span bridge which would exclude most cyclists as they would effectively have to carry their bikes up numerous steps.
Anyone with a pram or wheelchair would be similarly affected.
The solution to this crossing could be as simple as creating a new path, starting from Fisherman’s Path, skirting along the seaward border of the golf course and exiting at Victoria Road. Simple.
The challenge would be funding, but surely if a multi-agency approach could be attached to this challenge then the path could be funded.
Multi-agencies could be Network Rail, Sustrans, The National Trust, Sefton Council and the Department of Transport.
Route 810 would then be complete, with no dangerous rail crossing. Keith P Via email