For the second time this year the IRSE has been approached to give top-level evidence in a public consultation process.
In March, the Institution responded to The Great British Railways (GBR) transition team with its views on the future shape of UK railways, and this latest request came from the Department for Transport (DfT) looking for authoritative views on ‘Improving Signage at Private Level Crossings’.
While Britain has one of the safest railways in Europe for both passengers and rail staff, private crossings represent a particular risk. The aim of the IRSE’s response document is to propose a simple, modern, user friendly set of signs which should help to reduce these risks.
Institution President Andy Knight brought together a group of IRSE members with extensive knowledge in this field, headed by Ed Rollings, former head of level crossing engineering at Network Rail and evidence was submitted last month. Fellow members of this panel were Ken Vine, John Tilly, Colin Gibbons and Ian Hughes who gave his view from a minor or heritage railways perspective.
“Being asked to provide expert feedback on the DfT proposals recognises the wealth of expertise within the Institution’s membership and aligns with our core objective, to deliver safe and sustainable global railways.”
The group has responded to six key questions presented by the DfT to offer an informed, professional opinion of the proposal, appropriate to the importance of the issue. The full text of its response can be read here.
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