Network Rail has installed a new audible warning device which alerts pedestrians of approaching trains at four footpath level crossings in Kent and three in Sussex. The crossings are among thirteen in the South East to have the kit installed in the last twelve months as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a safer and more reliable railway.
In Kent, system has been newly-installed at footpath level crossings in Tankerton, Lenham, Whitstable and Aylesford where the user is required to stop, look and listen for a train before crossing. In Sussex, the system has been installed at footpath level crossings in Pulborough and Rustington in West Susssex and Rye in East Sussex.
Each solar-powered unit reproduces the sound of a train horn and is triggered automatically as a train approaches, providing a secondary warning in the event that a crossing user does not hear the train horn.
“Level crossings remain the biggest source of risk on the rail network. We want everyone who lives or works near the railway to be safe, which is why we’re investing in a variety of projects to improve level crossing safety as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan. This involves major investments such as new footbridges as well as a range of smaller yet effective improvements such as new technology which also help us reduce risk and save lives,” John Halsall, South East route managing director at Network Rail, said.
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