Consultation on level crossings legislation

A review of level crossings legislation forms part of the Law Commission’s tenth programme of law reform. The Law Commission together with the Scottish Law Commission is developing options on the way forward and seeks views on these in late 2009. To support this work, a joint ORR and Law Commissions seminar was held on 30 January 2009 to bring together stakeholders to participate in discussions and provide contribution to the review.

The report of the seminar, together with the annexes listed, are provided under related documents below:

• Report of the seminar;
• Annex 1 – Agenda;
• Annex 2 – List of organisations invited to the seminar;
• Annex 2A – List of those attended the seminar;
• Annex 3 – Law Commissions’ presentation;
• Annex 4 – A brief guide to level crossing law;
• Annex 5A –  Case study presentation;
• Annex 5B –  Impact of changing legal powers for public road level crossing regulation in Great Britain presentation;
• Annex 6 – Summary of presentation of themes;
• Annex 7- Syndicate exercise outcome; and
• Annex 8 – Outcome of evaluation

We are also leading a review of the guidance on level crossings, in particular the Railway Safety Principles and Guidance Part 2 Section E. The aim is to ensure that the guidance is comprehensive, relevant and reflects recent developments in good practice. The review will be undertaken in close collaboration with duty holders and other stakeholders.

Further details on current industry activity to reduce level crossing risk, including research and publicity campaigns are available on www.networkrail.co.uk and www.rssb.co.uk.