Level crossings to be automated

Network Rail say automated crossings at Colthrop and Kintbury will be more efficient

LEVEL crossings at Colthrop in Thatcham and in Kintbury are set to become automated.

Currently, both are controlled by staff from gate boxes but Network Rail spokesman Russel Spink confirmed that this will change.

He said: “Some people like to look on railways and gate boxes with nostalgia but we own, operate and maintain 20,000 miles of railway. We're a cutting edge private company and we're always looking to modernise and increase efficiency.”

Mr Spink pointed out that signalling and points control has already been transferred from Colthrop and Kintbury gate box staff to the Thames Valley Signalling Centre (TVSC) in Didcot and added: “That happened last spring. The only thing left for them to control is the level crossings. However this, too, will be migrated to Didcot although no date has yet been set.

“It will not affect safety because 19 out of 20 incidents at crossings result from misuse and having a crossing keeper does nothing to deter that. The new system will be more efficent.”

The Colthrop crossing, in particular, is used by businesses on the nearby industrial estate, as well as by a handful of Colthrop Lane residents.