Dave Thompson MSP

Demand for response forms for a survey being carried by Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson on safety at open level crossings has proved so high that the form has now been made available to the public on the politician's personal website.

Over the past few days, almost 14,000 consultation forms have been delivered to households near open level crossings - those with no gate or barrier to restrict traffic flow - and already hundreds of completed forms have been returned and dozens of other constituents throughout other parts of the Highlands have telephoned and e-mailed the MSP's office to ask where they can get a form to make their views known.

Mr Thompson said: "This is an issue that comes up all too regularly when people are killed or injured at this type of crossing but then it is forgotten again until the next fatality.

"One of the things I hope this survey will achieve is to focus minds on the issue without the need for anyone to be hurt or killed."

Mr Thompson added: "So far the response has been overwhelming and the message being sent is very clear: the majority of people are telling us they don't feel safe when using an open level crossing and that they would like to see barriers installed on this type of crossing to improve safety."

The SNP MSP has campaigned for improved safety measures on Highland level crossings since being elected in 2007 and his efforts were given fresh attention in September when three members of the same family were killed when their car collided with a train at an open level crossing in Halkirk, Caithness.

Anyone who wants to contribute their views to the consultation process can find the form on Mr Thompson's website - www.davethompsonmsp.org - where it can be printed, completed and posted to the MSP's regional office in Dingwall.

Mr Thompson intends to collate responses to the consultation and present the results to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

Note:

Of the 23 open level crossings in Scotland, 21 are in the Highlands. This type of crossing makes up just two per cent of the country's total number but accounts for 31 per cent of all accidents, prompting concerns over the safety of its design.