Rail crossing fears ahead of the Open

CARNOUSTIE: Anger at lack of action despite calls for more warning lights

Rail bosses have been criticised for failing to upgrade safety warnings at an Angus level crossing which has witnessed a spate of barrierdodging drivers ahead of the Open.

Two motorists have already been dealt with by the courts for ignoring warning lights at the Carnoustie crossing over the east coast main line, with a dangerous driving allegation against a local OAP due to go to trial soon.

The convicted drivers’ actions have been condemned, but with the town set to welcome a massive influx of golf fans for the upcoming championship, a local councillor has slammed Network Rail for failing to provide better warnings for motorists on both sides of the crossing.

Independent Brain Boyd has led calls for flashing lights to be sited as far up as the High Street to ease congestion around barriers.

“We had meetings and site visits but nothing’s been done – and doesn’t look like it will be in time for the Open. I am unimpressed that this has taken so long, and with the Open so close I think it’s pretty unlikely that the improvements which we have been calling for will be in place.”

We’ve had meetings, we’ve had a site visit and nothing’s happened. COUNCILLOR BRIAN BOYD

Network Rail has been slammed for inaction over the level crossing at Carnoustie where drivers are increasingly putting their lives at risk by barrier dodging on the east coast main line.

With tens of thousands set to descend on the Angus town for the upcoming Open Golf Championship, a local councillor has expressed anger and frustration that calls for better warnings around the busy level crossing have not been put in place, years after improvement calls were first made.

But a warning has also been given to local drivers that they must heed flashing lights at the crossing after the second case in recent months of a signalman having to halt the descending barrier because a driver had ignored the signal warning of an approaching train.

The motorists in each case received penalty points but were criticised by Forfar Sheriff Court for putting themselves and others at risk.

Solicitors for both accused said their clients had not seen the flashing lights because of the tight turn out of the car park beside the level crossing.

A third case involving an allegation that a 75-year-old local man drove dangerously by ignoring the level crossing warning lights has still to come to trial.

Carnoustie Independent councillor Brian Boyd said the apparent spate of level crossing cases was a concern and told drivers they should not be dicing with death by ignoring warning signals or trying to sneak under descending barriers.

He said: “That’s not a good situation because of the catastrophic situation which could emerge if something goes wrong. However, for about three years, I and others have been pushing Network Rail for improvements to warning signs at Carnoustie level crossing, meetings have taken place with our own council officials and still we are waiting.

“Especially from the south there is very little room on the approach to the crossing and we have been suggesting that there should be warning lights further along the road to let traffic know the barriers are coming down.

“I think we could even have a warning signal at the High Street so drivers can decide if they want to turn down Station Road and wait for the barriers to open.

“We’ve had meetings, we’ve had a site visit and nothing’s happened.

“I am unimpressed that this has taken so long, and with the Open so close I think it’s pretty unlikely that the improvements which we have been calling for will be in place.”

Dundee East SNP MP Stewart Hosie has, however, praised Network Rail for fixing a crossing gate after complaints from locals.

“Earlier this year I wrote to Network Rail regarding the gate of one of the level crossings in Carnoustie which had not been closing properly for some time.

“I was happy to see that they took swift action to repair the gate and ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors to Carnoustie. It is vital that the town is ‘Open’ and ready to welcome the thousands of golfing fans for the championships.”

Network Rail failed to respond to requests for comment on crossing signal improvements or the recent court cases.

The company regularly issues warnings to drivers about the potentially fatal consequences of ignoring warning lights at level crossings.

Picture: Paul Reid. Network Rail has been blamed for the bad design of the level crossing in the town.