These crossings are MCBs except that instead of a signaller, the obstacle detection equipment monitors the closure of the crossing and determines that the crossing is clear before releasing the protecting signal. The crossing is initiated by approaching trains and has no direct signaller involvement when working normally, apart from monitoring the process. The obstacle detection uses LIDAR and RADAR systems to detect that the crossing is clear, if it is not the sequence is disrupted and any approaching train would come to a stand at the protecting signal. The signaller would then be required to initiate an alternative operating procedure. This type of crossing has become much more common on many lines throughout the country and these crossings are now considered the safest of the modern types. The first crossing of this type was developed and tested in 2010, at a level crossing at Filey, North Yorkshire however this crossing has now been converted to an MCB-CCTV with a small amount of equipment from the MCB-OD crossing remaining. Open crossings. These have no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic lights but will have a ‘Give Way’ sign. You should look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming before you cross. Rule 299

Always give priority to trams, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, unless it would be unsafe to do so. Remember that they may be carrying large numbers of standing passengers who could be injured if the tram had to make an emergency stop. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road. Rule 306 However, just like any driving environment, level crossings can also be affected by weather conditions such as rain, ice, snow and bright sunlight which can all reduce drivers’ visibility of lights and signs and impair reaction times. Simmons, Ann M. (21 August 2008). "Metrolink killer is sentenced to 11 life terms in prison". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 21 August 2008.If possible, move the vehicle clear of the crossing if there is time before the next train arrives but remember – if at any time the sirens sound or warning lights come on, leave the vehicle and immediately get to safety away from the crossing. The Department for Transport (DfT) has warned UK drivers that ‘the number and diversity of users of private crossings have increased significantly’ in recent years – and that a new generation of drivers ‘may not have previously used private crossings and may be unfamiliar with how to use or operate these safely’.

As well as these, as mentioned in the first paragraph, the troublesome gates at Redcar were replaced in 2015 with a new, exclusive telescopic sliding gate that slides across the road when a train is due. These were fitted with modern red and white reflective stripes as well as the red circle warning a seen on gates almost 100 years ago. The gates were implemented as a trial, and their future does not seem good as they have failed a couple of times in recent years. [35] Sirens: Some level crossings have sirens or other audible warning systems in place. These will activate when the train is approaching and could sound like sirens, train horns or even spoken warnings.

Why is the change happening now?

Depending on the size of the military vehicle, it may take up more than one lane on the motorway or major A-road. It's also often slow-moving and very unlikely to be anywhere near the speed limit of 70mph. In rural regions with sparse traffic, the least expensive type of level crossing to operate is one without flagmen or gates, with only a warning sign posted. This type has been common across North America and in many developing countries. Those on public footpaths may also have visual and/or audible alarms to warn pedestrians of approaching trains. All drivers, learners, and experienced motorists are familiar with the wide variety of regulatory and warning road signs that are positioned on highways in the UK.

You should always approach a level crossing with caution, particularly in adverse weather conditions, as you never know when the lights will start flashing and you’ll need to react accordingly. There's a chance you've probably seen this sign at some point on your travels and are aware to exercise caution when you spot this warning.Always approach a level crossing with caution. Never take risks. Never think you can jump the barriers and make it safely to the other side. You should only ever drive onto a level crossing if the exit on the other side is clear. Some level crossings will have a railway telephone present. If you see one, use it to inform the operator of what's happened. They will give you instructions, which you should follow. If a train isn't due for a fair amount of time, try and push your car clear. If no railway phone is present, use a mobile to call the police. If there are no warnings about a train approaching, drive slowly and do not enter the crossing unless your exit is clear. Never drive nose-to-tail on a crossing, so even in heavy traffic make sure your exit is clear before passing through. These have no barriers, gates, lights or attendants. There will be a give way sign, however. Approach with extra caution, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure no train is approaching. Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram approaching a stop. Rule 305

Controlled Crossings. Most crossings have traffic light signals with a steady amber light, twin flashing red stop lights (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’ and ‘Traffic signs’) and an audible alarm for pedestrians. They may have full, half or no barriers. If ever you break down or have an accident on a level crossing, the first thing to do is get everyone out of your car and clear of the crossing. The type of alarm depends on the crossing itself, so if you’re in the vicinity of a level crossing make sure you’re able to hear the siren by turning down any music or radio you may be listening to. In 1986, British Rail commissioned Whiteley Electronics of Mansfield to improve upon and supersede the system by Plessey, which was limited in the ability to indicate fault states and required relays that were becoming harder to maintain. This led to the development of the Public Emergency Telephone System (PETS). [41] Gallery [ edit ] Take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists as they are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or other debris at road works.

What other signs appear at level crossings?

Seeing an empty road sign will undoubtedly leave motorists scratching their heads for an explanation, but this vacant-looking sign simply alerts drivers that access to an area is prohibited. There are around 3,800 level crossings on the UK’s public and private road networks, with several thousand more railway crossings on footpaths and bridleways. News Summary: Automatic 'Gates' ". Practical Motorist. 7 (81): 957. May 1961. Britain's first automatically operated level crossing barriers are now in operation at Spath Level Crossing near Uttoxeter. The barriers, electrically operated by an approaching train, consist of a single pole fixed each side of the road only, and are conspicuously marked with red and white bands. Additional warning is given by flashing red lights and audible alarms.