The Government has armed itself with new powers to encourage councils to make level crossings safer – but with the added incentive that Network Rail will pick up the bill.
Road safety minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman, this week tabled a new clause to the Road Safety Bill to remove any uncertainty about councils’ legal responsibilities.
Network Rail’s offer, which the Government has accepted, will cover expenditure by councils on any road signs deemed necessary, and even the installation of closed-circuit television cameras to help police catch motorists who try to dodge lowering barriers.
Network Rail had complained that some highway authorities were reluctant to co-operate, and persuaded peers to amend the Bill, strengthening councils’ role, when it was before the ~House of Lords~ With the Bill now in the Commons, Labour MPs deleted the peers’ amendments after the Government tabled its new clause.
This would empower the transport secretary to require any operator of a level crossing ‘or the local traffic authority – or both’ to provide at or near the crossing any ‘specified equipment’ and maintain it. Before issuing the order, the minister would be required to consult the council involved and the ~Office of Rail Regulation~.
Ladyman told MPs: ‘Network Rail has agreed to pay for any improvements which might be necessary as a result of this new clause.’
Councils would still have a responsibility to act, but the cost would not be a burden for council taxpayers, he pledged.
He explained that Network Rail was concerned that highway authorities were not prepared to ‘engage with it in discussing improvements’. The new clause specified councils ‘have a duty to engage with Network Rail to provide equipment but Network Rail has indicated it will pay for it’.
Ladyman also promised to crack down on motorists who try to dodge the level crossing barriers by consulting on increasing the penalties for offenders to a £5,000 fine and a six-penalty point endorsement. He said he would also consult with the Association of Chief Police Officers on whether offenders should be charged with dangerous driving, which carries greater penalties.
‘This is criminally stupid behaviour,’ Ladyman told MPs. ‘It is a hideously stupid and horrendous act with a callous disregard for other people’s lives.’
But his proposed crackdown did not go far enough for Tory shadow minister Owen Paterson, who moved amendments – rejected by nine votes to five – to give offenders 12 month’s imprisonment and a one-year driving ban.