Delight as campaigns succeed in gaining barriers at dangerous level crossings at Melton and Brampton
Melton Rail crossing
Campaigns by residents along the East Suffolk rail line have resulted in barriers being installed at level crossings on busy roads.
Suffolk Coastal MP Dr Therese Coffey and Waveney district councillor Dr Martin Parsons at the crossing. - Credit: Archant
Network Rail has carried out the work at Melton Station, Brampton, Sun Wharf, Lime Kiln Quay, Ferry Lane, Haywards, Weston, Wenhaston and Willow Marsh, to improve safety on the roads and rail lines and reduce risk.
Previously the crossings had flashing red lights to warn drivers to stop because a train was imminent and now they have electronic barriers.
Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey campaigned with residents at Melton and Brampton.
She said: “I’m delighted that barriers have now been installed at the busy level crossing at Melton.
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“There can be considerable pressure on drivers to take the risk to go across when the lights are flashing because they think they have enough time.
“The installation of barriers will now make it much safer for drivers and train users.”
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At Brampton Dr Coffey and Waveney councillor Dr Martin Parsons had waged a three-and-a-half year battle to get barriers installed, including taking the matter right up to the national chief executive of Network Rail.
Dr Parsons said: “The level crossing is on a 60 miles an hour road which is a bit of a rat run for lorries and approached around blind bends in both directions.
“It also faces almost exactly east-west so drivers have the sun in their eyes in the early morning and evening.”
There have been a number of serious accidents on the crossing over the years including a bus being hit by a train and a car nearly cut in half.
Dr Coffey said: “We have seen from past incidents just how dangerous this crossing can be and I’m pleased the barriers will now make it much safer for drivers and train users. My thanks go to councillor Parsons for his efforts on this.”
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “The barriers we have installed will act as an additional feature to improve safety at these crossings. We are fully committed to reducing the number of level crossings across the east of England and continue to look at ways to make crossings safer, as well as providing alternative means to cross the railway.”
