Ufton Nervet decision imminent as Network Rail launch level-crossing campaign

The advert (pictured right) depicts a family taking a cycle through the countryside, playing a game of

which distracts them as they approach the footpath crossing.
The campaign called

comes in the wake of calls to make safety improvements to Ufton Nervet level-crossing.

Eight people have died at the crossing in eight years. In 2004, seven people died at the site after a train hit a car parked across the tracks in 2007, then in May Woodley man David Montague was killed when his scooter was hit by a train while the half width barriers were down.
Last month West Berkshire councillor for Mortimer Geoff Mayes (Lib Dem) (pictured bottom right) collected more than 340 names on a petition calling for a full barrier and CCTV to be installed at the crossing.

Network Rail, which claims it has invested £130m to improve level-crossing safety, is considering how to make the Ufton Nervet level crossing safer and is expected to make an announcement later this month.
Spokesman for Network Rail, Chris Denham said: “As things stand we have all the options on the table including replacing the crossing with full barriers or even building a bridge.
“There are complications with every option, including land acquisition if we were to build a bridge, so we are investigating further.
“We are happy to work with West Berkshire Council to reach a conclusion.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the

campaign, Network Rail’s community safety manager, Liz Heading, added: “We know it is easy to get distracted or given the sleepy, rural surroundings not realise the risk at a crossing, but just as motorways cut through the countryside, so do railways.
“We’re doing all we can to make the railway safer by upgrading crossings or closing them if we can, but we hope this advert will raise awareness that we all need to take care and look out for the warning signs ahead of every level crossing; doing so can save your life.”