UK
Crossing safety review in Wales

Railtrack is to undertake a review of safety at

photo: BBC Rail safety review after death

level crossings on the mid-Wales "Cambrian" railway line after criticisms of warning systems for motorists.
In October 1999 an American tourist was killed when a car, driven by her husband was struck by a train on a crossing at Llanbrynmair near Machynlleth. An inquest into her death returned a verdict of "accidental death". The coroner was told that the train hit the car at 60mph and that the force of the impact lifted the car into the air and propelled it 50 yards along the track. The train was operated by Central Trains.

The Cambrian line is single track and largely rural. Train movements are controlled by radio from just one signal box at Machynlleth. There are a number of minor roads which cross the line at crossings equipped with warning lights and telphone links to the signalbox. There are gates which are intended to be opened by users and then closed after crossing the line. according to Railtrack, there have been a number of complaints about the gates being left open "more often than they are closed".

Earlier story

Safety at occupation level crossings
01 Nov 1999

Fatal rail crossing accident in Llanbrynmair
29 Oct 1999

Web sources:

Rail safety review after death
BBC Online 06 May 1999

Villagers raise fears after tourist hit by train
BBC Online 22 Feb 1999