Reducing Barrier Failure at Level Crossings

September 2005

It is estimated 680 million vehicles, 660 million pedestrians and 109 million trains traverse the UK's 8,100 level crossings every year and they continue to provide a challenging weak spot in rail infrastructure.

Barrier failures are the most common mechanical failure at these locations, and over half of all barrier failures between 1999 and 2003 were due to electrical and power supply issues. (source: Road Vehicle Level Crossings Special Topic Report, Rail Safety & Standards Board, January 2004).

Recognising this, HoldFast is campaigning to reduce the threat of electrical circuitry failure at crossings by using HoldFast's full depth rubber platforms.

Managing Director, Peter Coates Smith, explains: "Network Rail has done much to limit the safety risks but the huge cost implications of electrical failure are unavoidable. We are now promoting the advantages of installing all rubber panels in the gauge area to eliminate any circuitry threat posed by the crossing bed."

HoldFast is campaigning to reduce the threat of electrical circuitry failure at level-crossings.