ORR supports European level crossing awareness day

25 June 2009
ORR/15/09

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) announced its support for the European level crossing awareness day.

Level crossings are the largest risk contributor to the railways, and with this in mind, ORR inspectors will today be attending approximately 30 user worked level crossings. They will be meeting crossing users to:

  • seek their views on specific level crossing issues
  • raise awareness of risks
  • promote the correct use of level crossings

The awareness day, organised by both road and rail sector organisations and government agencies, will see activity taking place in 23 countries across Europe. It aims to combat level crossing misuse and highlight the dangers of ignoring warning signs and barriers.

Ian Prosser, HM chief inspector of railways and director, railway safety said:

"The awareness day is an excellent initiative, and one which we fully support. Improved safety at level crossings is a key activity in our corporate strategy; working towards excellence in health and safety culture and risk control. 

Our inspectors continue to work with Network Rail and crossing users in order to understand safety issues, and we are also currently working with the Law Commission on their project to review level crossing legislation."

Notes to editors

  1. The European awareness day on level crossings is a joint commitment  with a focus on educational measures and the promotion of safe behaviour, shared among four of the European Road Safety Charter signatories: European Rail Infrastructure Managers, Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), European Level Crossing Forum, and the UIC (International Union of Railways).
  2. The theme of the event is Stop Accidents, Europe for safer level crossings.
  3. Further information on European awareness day is available on http://www.levelcrossing.net

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