A level crossing in South East London is set to be closed after a number of safety incidents.
The Angerstein footpath level crossing, in Charlton, has been identified by Network Rail as the highest risk of 342 crossing on the Kent Route.
Used by almost 700 people a day, there have been a number of near misses recently, including children playing on the tracks, a number of trespass incidents, someone carrying a baby, and walking along the railway line to get to the next station.
Each near miss required the train driver to apply the emergency brakes.
An alternative route has been proposed by Network Rail involving a 240 metre diversion via Farmdale Road and Fairthorn Road.
The new route is also step-free so means that those currently unable to use the foot crossing will be able to do so.
Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Route Director for Kent, said: “We have announced today our intention to close Angerstein level crossing near Charlton due to the safety risk it poses to users, passengers and our rail colleagues.
“Angerstein crossing is currently registered as the most dangerous of nearly 350 level crossings which we operate in Kent, with many incidents where drivers of trains had to apply their emergency brakes to avoid people on the track.
“The closure will not be immediate, and we will be in close communication with the local community about the alternative route which is chosen. We understand that many residents will be disappointed by this closure but their safety and that of passengers and rail colleagues is our priority.”
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Responses
How many people use it correctly without cause for concern? The offenders should undergo IQ tests be fined & banned from the Railways for, say, 12 months. Law abiding Customers should’nt be inconvenienced by actions of selfish chancers. Everyday story.
This is not the first time, this has been attempted before but public pressure meant a review. It could be dangerous yes, but train speeds are slow, and most importantly it IS well used. It is probably Round 3, but we will see if that means it will be the final round, I hope not.
This blanket policy has got to stop. Footpaths were there long before the advent of railways and it’s becoming a denial of the public right to lawfully cross the railway and their human right to do so. There are protective measures in the authorising acts for the construction of the railway to prevent this sort of action from being taken by railways plus the neccesasary safety requrements to be provided. It is up to Network Rail to provide such additional protection for the users safety as deemed neccessary e.g. miniature red/green lights or a subway here. Is a highway closed because of an increase in use, I don’t think so. You can expose yourself to danger anywhere along a road, not so on railways where crossing points are defined. Trains are restricted by line speed, road traffic does not always comply with the national road limits.
Well it always has been high risk.
Anyone know when the crossing is due to close? I wouldn’t mind have a walk over it before it does!