Level Crossing Law Consultation
Monday, July 26, 2010
by
Neil Amner
The Law Commissions of England, Wales and Scotland are seeking views on how the legislative framework governing the use, management and where appropriate closure of level crossings can be improved and safety risks reduced.
Level crossings present the largest single risk of catastrophic train accidents in Great Britain. The current framework of laws relating to Britain’s 8000 level crossings are outdated, complex and hard to understand causing difficulties for regulators, owners and operators to modernise crossings and enhance safety.
The Commissions have reviewed the laws of health and safety, highways and roads, land, planning, crime and disability discrimination, as well as railway law. They are keen to hear comments and topics such as rights of way, access to land, signage and disability issues, as well as ideas and how to encourage greater collaboration among those with an interest in level crossings.
The Commissions seek responses by 30 November 2010. The consultation paper can be found here.
Should you have any queries on the consultation or if you have a query relating to the current regime, please contact Neil Amner for an initial discussion and indication of whether further advice may be appropriate on (namner@biggartbaillie.co.uk) or 0141 228 8000.
The information contained in this article is given for general information only, reflects the current law on the date of this article, and does not constitute legal advice on any specific matter