FOI request reveals "dangerous" Southport rail crossing has needed upgrading since 2015!





A level crossing branded "dangerous" by local residents was recommended for upgrading due to safety concerns over three and a half years ago Southport Labour campaigners have discovered.


The Crescent Road crossing between Birkdale and Hillside stations has automatic barriers on each side but they only cover half of the roadway, which means access to the track is easy even when the barriers are down as trains approach.




The site has seen several serious incidents and fatalities over the years and a video posted online just days ago shows an elderly man, described as "confused" by eyewitnesses, seemingly unaware of the danger and walking slowly across the line with a train hurtling past shortly after.




On seeing the video, Labour's Southport Parliamentary Candidate Liz Savage immediately brought it to the attention of Network Rail and contacted Merseytravel Chair Liam Robinson and the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, asking them all to work together to resolve the problem but says worrying new information has come to light after investigations by Birkdale Labour activists. She explained:




"Network Rail has publicly confirmed that it is now investigating as a direct result of my bringing it to their attention which is a step in the right direction but it needs more than just investigating."




"We've now discovered through a Freedom of Information request that this crossing was recommended for a full barrier back in 2015 due to the significant safety risks it poses. They have known about this since then, so I'd say the time for investigating is long past, it's time for action."




The crossing's 2015 risk assessment calculated an average daily usage of 4645 cars, 139 vans/small lorries, 42 buses, 24 HGVs, 270 pedal/motor cycles, 456 pedestrians and 1 tractor per day. It stated that a bridge would provide the best safety for users but due to high costs recommended a full barrier system with obstacle detection be installed instead as the best overall option.




It advised even that would cost in the region of £1.5 million and so may take a number of years to action. Labour's Liz Savage says the rail company can no longer put off the necessary work:




"It is a high volume crossing and it's time that local residents had the safety measures in place that are needed, have been acknowledged in Network Rail's own risk assessment of the crossing and will protect road and rail users properly."


"We do not want to see any more fatalities or serious incidents there and Network Rail is already fully aware of the dangers it poses."




Her calls have been backed by Merseytravel Chair Liam Robinson who says:




“I fully support Liz Savage’s efforts to have this crossing made safe. Whilst ideally it would be replaced by a road bridge, at the very least Network Rail should be putting a complete barrier system in place that would prevent any person or vehicle straying onto the tracks when a train was coming."




"I will continue to do all I can to lobby Network Rail to ensure that they do this.”

Savage jumping on to yet another bandwagon.