Railway crossing

The railway crossing at the end of our street has had some improvement work done. The old zig-zag gate has gone, replaced by an automatic barrier on each side of the tracks. The crossing is now a lot easier to manage for elderly residents and pram-pushing parents who can now make their way straight across in much less time than before.

The zig-zag gate not only presented a mobility challenge for some users but was easier for the more foolhardy to cross the tracks against warning signals that a train was coming. I often wondered why they did that and apart from lack of care and attention, I think it may have had to do with impatience with the klaxon that would sound for the duration of the coming and passing of the train. On the new crossing, the physical barrier does away with the need for a continuous warning sound and the klaxon only operates for the few moments it takes for the barrier to descend. Great for nearby homeowners who will certainly notice the difference.

The engineers obviously had safety and security high in mind when they designed the new layout. Surveillance cameras, four, scan the crossing so if any mishap were to occur then appropriate action could be taken. And there are still rules. Cyclists for example are instructed to dismount before crossing. Several, perhaps enjoying their liberation from the zig-zag gate, ignore the warning and pedal on through; an inconsideration of elderly crossers who find it intimidating.

Crossers are all in agreement, the new layout is a great improvement as long as it is used properly. Used properly? There you have it. Another improvement idea: Train for railway crossing.

 

Posted with Blogsy